Suspected food poisoning at Odisha ashram school leaves over 100 students ill

A tragic incident has unfolded in Mayurbhanj district , where more than 100 students of a government-run tribal residential school fell ill after allegedly consuming contaminated food, with one Class 5 student succumbing to her illness on Tuesday.

According to officials, the incident occurred at Kakabandha Ashram School, where students reportedly consumed food items on Sunday morning that were not part of the authorised menu. Soon after the meal, several children began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, raising suspicions of food poisoning.

The affected students were initially rushed to a nearby community health centre, with many later shifted to the Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in Baripada as their condition worsened. Authorities confirmed that over 100 students were taken ill, with dozens requiring hospitalisation.

Among the worst affected was Rupali Besra, a Class 5 student, who was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit on Monday. Despite sustained medical efforts, she passed away on Tuesday morning, officials said.

District Collector Hema Kanta Say stated that 66 students are currently undergoing treatment at the medical college, while several others remain under observation at the community health centre. Medical teams have been deployed both at the school and healthcare facilities to monitor the situation and provide necessary treatment.

Preliminary reports suggest that the students had consumed pakhala (fermented rice), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney. Parents of the affected children alleged that these items were served despite not being included in the prescribed menu.

Taking serious note of the incident, the district administration has initiated multiple inquiries. A police case has also been registered based on a complaint filed by the deceased student’s mother. Authorities indicated that strict action would be taken against those found responsible for negligence.

The school’s headteacher, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended pending investigation. Meanwhile, the state government has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹7 lakh for the bereaved family.

The incident sparked protests in the area, with villagers blocking the Rasgovindpur–Jaleswar road, demanding justice, accountability, and enhanced safety measures in residential schools.

Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital, met the affected students, and assured their families of appropriate action.

The incident has raised serious concerns over food safety standards and supervision in state-run residential institutions, prompting calls for stricter monitoring to prevent such tragedies in the future.