In a tragic incident in Odisha, more than 100 students fell ill and one child died following suspected food poisoning at a government-run residential school in Mayurbhanj district.

🧒 What Happened

• The incident occurred at Kakabandha Ashram School, a tribal residential institution.
• Students reportedly consumed:
  • Pakhala (fermented rice)
  • Mashed potatoes
  • Mango chutney

👉 These food items were allegedly not part of the authorised school menu, raising concerns about protocol violations.

⚠️ Casualties and Health Condition

• Over 100 students suffered from vomiting and diarrhoea
• 67 students were shifted to
  Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in serious condition
• Others were treated at a nearby community health centre

🕊️ Fatality

• A Class 5 student, Rupali Besra, died after being admitted to the ICU
• She had been undergoing treatment since Monday but succumbed on Tuesday

🏥 Medical Response

• Two medical teams deployed:
  • One at the school
  • One at the hospital
• Dozens of students are still under treatment
• More admissions were reported as symptoms continued to appear

🔍 Investigation & Government Action

Authorities have launched multiple probes:

• 🟢 Police case registered based on complaint by victim’s family
• 🟢 Independent administrative inquiry ordered
• 🟢 Focus: Why unauthorised food was served

🚫 Action Taken

• School headmaster Jayant Kumar Panigrahi suspended for negligence
• Officials and staff may face further disciplinary action

💰 Compensation

• Odisha government announced ₹7 lakh ex gratia to the deceased student’s family

🚧 Public Reaction

• Angry villagers staged protests and blocked the Rasgovindpur–Jaleswar road
• Key demands:
  • Justice for the victim
  • Strict action against responsible officials

🏛️ Political & Administrative Response

• Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital
• He interacted with:
  • Hospitalised students
  • Concerned parents

⚠️ Possible Cause

While the exact cause is still under investigation, early indications suggest:

• Food contamination or spoilage
• Risk from fermented food (pakhala) if improperly stored
• Hygiene lapses in food preparation

📊 Why This Matters

This incident raises serious concerns about:

• Food safety in government-run residential schools
• Monitoring of mid-day meal and hostel food systems
• Accountability of school authorities

✅ Final Verification

✔ Your original article is accurate in:

• Death and number of affected students
• Location and hospital details
• Suspension and compensation
• Protest and investigation