Tragedy Strikes Family in Kendrapada After Consuming Stale Food
A 12-year-old boy lost his life, and four of his family members became seriously ill, allegedly after consuming stale food at Kupukuni village under Pattamundai police station limits in Kendrapada district on Saturday. The deceased, Swadhin Senapati, was a Class VI student.
Sequence of Events
According to officials, the family had consumed poi saag (Malabar spinach) curry, aloo dum, and watermelon on Friday night. Shortly after the meal, all five individuals developed symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing distress, which are indicative of suspected food poisoning.
They were first admitted to the Pattamundai community health centre on Saturday morning. As their condition did not improve, they were subsequently transferred to the district headquarters hospital (DHH) in Kendrapada. Swadhin’s health deteriorated rapidly, prompting doctors to refer him to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (Sishubhawan) in Cuttack. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed during treatment, as confirmed by chief district medical and public health officer (CDM&PHO) Sachitananda Mishra.
Condition of Other Victims
The four other family members—Ananta Senapati (65), Babrubahan Senapati (45), Panchanana Senapati (50), and Swagatika Senapati—are currently undergoing treatment at the Kendrapada DHH. Their condition is reported to be stable. The CDMO stated, “It appears to be a case of food poisoning. We administered saline and medicines immediately. Rectal swab samples have been collected and will be sent to a laboratory in Cuttack to ascertain the cause.”
Police Investigation Underway
Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Pattamundai inspector in-charge (IIC) Bandana Patra said, “The exact cause of death will be known after the post-mortem report. We are probing the circumstances leading to the illness and death.” Authorities are awaiting laboratory results to confirm the presence of contaminants in the food consumed by the family.
About the Author
Ashis Senapati, a seasoned journalist with the Times of India, reports from Kendrapada, Odisha. Covering crime, social issues, and local events in Jajpur, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada districts, his impactful stories, including human-animal conflicts and legal developments, reflect deep community insight, earning recognition for highlighting critical regional concerns.
