In a heartbreaking incident at a government-run Adivasi residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district, a Class 5 student has tragically died, and more than 100 others have fallen ill after consuming allegedly contaminated food. This unfortunate event unfolded at the Kakabandha Ashram School in the Rasgovindpur block, where students began experiencing discomfort after their meal on Sunday.

Reports indicate that the meal included fermented rice, known locally as ‘pakhala’, along with mashed potatoes and mango chutney. Alarmingly, these dishes were reportedly not part of the approved menu, raising serious questions about food safety protocols at the institution. The situation escalated quickly as students began to show signs of illness shortly after consuming the meal.

The swift response from local health authorities saw over 100 students rushed to nearby healthcare facilities, with 67 of them being transferred to a hospital in Baripada due to critical conditions. Among these affected was Rupali Besra, who was admitted to the intensive care unit but sadly succumbed to her illness just a day later. The District Collector of Mayurbhanj, Hema Kanta Say, confirmed the distressing news and highlighted the gravity of the situation.

In the wake of this tragedy, Rupali’s mother has lodged a formal complaint, leading to a police investigation into the incident. Additionally, the headteacher of the school, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended amid allegations of negligence. The state government’s response has been swift; Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed his sorrow over the incident and announced a compensation of Rs 3 lakh for Rupali’s family. Furthermore, Karanjia Sub Collector Dayasindhu Parida stated that the family would also receive an ex-gratia payment of Rs 7 lakh in light of this tragic loss.

The incident has sparked outrage in the local community, prompting residents to clash with police as they demanded accountability for the poor quality of food served in schools. It highlights the ongoing issues related to food safety in educational institutions across the country, particularly in government-run facilities where resources and oversight may often fall short. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of proper food handling and the necessity of strict adherence to nutritional guidelines for the well-being of students.