Odisha School Food Poisoning Tragedy Sparks High-Level Inquiry
In a tragic incident at a government-run residential school in Mayurbhanj district's Rasgovindpur, Odisha, a Class 5 student has died from suspected food poisoning, prompting an immediate investigation by revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) Sudhanshu Samal. The inquiry began on Wednesday, following reports that 148 students, including the deceased 12-year-old Rupali Besra, suffered from severe diarrhoea and vomiting after consuming allegedly stale food at the school hostel on Sunday.
Details of the Food Poisoning Outbreak
The students reportedly fell ill after eating pakhala (fermented rice), saga bhaja (fried greens), and aloo bharta (mashed potato) that was allegedly prepared for Saturday's lunch. Health officials confirmed that close to 60 students are still undergoing treatment at Pandit Raghunath Murmu (PRM) Medical College and Hospital in Baripada, while one student, Laxmipriya Besra, has been shifted to Sishu Bhawan in Cuttack for advanced care. Another student remains in the ICU but is showing signs of improvement. At least 12 students have been discharged so far.
Official Response and Investigation
RDC Sudhanshu Samal visited the Rasgovindpur Community Health Centre and PRM Hospital, interacting with affected students and their families to assess the situation. He also inspected the school premises, including the kitchen, to check food quality and drinking water arrangements. A high-level review meeting was held with collector Hemakanta Say, superintendent of police Varun Guntupalli, and other senior officials to address the crisis.
Samal emphasized that all aspects of the incident are being thoroughly examined. "Strict action will be taken against those found responsible. The situation is currently under control, and preventive measures are being put in place to avoid a recurrence," he stated. Additionally, a medical team from SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack has arrived to investigate the causes behind the diarrhoea and vomiting among the students.
Community Outrage and Funeral Disruptions
The last rites of the deceased child, Rupali Besra, were conducted early on Wednesday at her native Nunchati village in Rasgovindpur block, but not without significant community unrest. An angry mob prevented the hearse from entering the village throughout Tuesday night, demanding justice for the girl. Family members alleged they were trapped in the vehicle as the mob blocked the road and pelted police with stones.
"The hearse vehicle was also damaged. We urged them to let us go, but they did not listen," alleged the victim's mother, Sibani Besra. Police resorted to a lathicharge to disperse the crowd, which only relented in the morning, allowing the vehicle to finally reach the Besra family home.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Monitoring
This incident highlights critical issues in food safety and student welfare at government residential schools in Odisha. Authorities are now focused on implementing stricter protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future. The inquiry aims to identify lapses in food handling and storage, with potential legal actions against negligent parties. Health officials continue to monitor the affected students closely, ensuring they receive necessary medical care and support during recovery.
