NCST Orders Probe Into Tribal Girl’s Death, Mass Illness At Odisha Ashram School

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has initiated an inquiry into the death of a 12-year-old Class V tribal student, Rupali Besra , and the mass illness of over 100 students following a suspected food poisoning incident at a government-run residential school in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha.

The incident occurred at the Kakabandha Ashram School in the Rasgovindpur block , where students reportedly fell ill after consuming a meal that allegedly included stale pakhala (fermented rice), saga bhaja, aloo bharta and mango chutney served in the hostel mess. Soon after eating the food, several children complained of vomiting and diarrhoea, prompting authorities to rush them to nearby health facilities.

According to officials, around 67 students in serious condition were shifted to Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in Baripada , while 41 others were admitted to the Rasgovindpur Community Health Centre for treatment. Rupali Besra, who had been admitted to the intensive care unit, later succumbed during treatment.

Taking note of the incident, the NCST issued notices to the Odisha ST & SC Development Department, the Mayurbhanj district collector and the superintendent of police, directing them to submit a detailed Action Taken Report within seven days . The commission said the inquiry was being conducted under Article 338A of the Constitution , which empowers it to investigate matters related to safeguards for Scheduled Tribes. It warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to officials being summoned under its civil court powers .

The case had earlier drawn the attention of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) , which took suo motu cognisance and sought a report from state authorities on the circumstances surrounding the death and the health condition of the affected students.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a Revenue Divisional Commissioner-level inquiry , while the school headmaster was suspended pending investigation. The state government also announced financial assistance of ₹7 lakh for the victim’s family .