Food Poisoning in Odisha School: Class 6 Student Dies, Villagers Clash with Police During Funeral

A tragic case of food-poisoning death at the Kakabandha Ashram School hostel in Rasgovindpur block of Mayurbhanj district has triggered massive outrage, with villagers clashing with police during the funeral procession of a young victim, Rupali Besra, on Tuesday.

The situation turned volatile when police arrived in the girl's village to take her body for the last rites.

Aggrieved villagers, demanding justice and enhanced compensation, pelted the police vehicle carrying the body with firecrackers, damaged the vehicle and the Swarga Rath used for the deceased and tried to block the procession.

Police responded with a lathi charge to control the mob.

Reports indicate that around 20 police personnel and 10 villagers were injured in the clash. A heavy security deployment, including three police platoons, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Mayurbhanj and the Additional SP, has been rushed to the spot to maintain law and order.

The village remains tense, with locals expressing anger over the handling of the case.

Villagers are demanding that the Odisha Health Minister visit the village personally to address their grievances and have insisted on adequate compensation and medical support for all affected students, including the family of the deceased.

The district administration has announced Rs 7 lakh as compensation to Rupali's family.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday expressed deep sorrow over the death of Rupali Besra, who hailed from Mayurbhanj district, and announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) to the bereaved family.

The Chief Minister directed a high-level inquiry into the incident after several children reportedly fell ill at the residential school, leading to the unfortunate demise of the 6-year-old.

What health measures has the Odisha government taken after the food poisoning tragedy?

He has ordered a Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC)-level probe into the circumstances that caused the students to fall sick and the subsequent death.

The Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Northern Division) has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and submitting a detailed report.

The RDC is scheduled to visit the Rasgovindpur Ashram School to begin the on-ground probe.

In addition to the financial assistance, the state government has taken immediate steps to ensure the health and safety of the remaining students.

A medical team will visit the school on April 15 for comprehensive health check-ups of all students.

Currently, the Joint Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) under the Directorate of Public Health, along with a microbiologist, is already present in Baripada.

Another medical team is set to depart for the location.

The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased student and assured them that the government is committed to uncovering the exact cause of the incident and taking necessary preventive measures to avoid such tragedies in the future.

In a post on X, the Odisha Chief Minister's Office wrote, "On learning about the loss of life of Rupali Beshra (father - Durga Beshra) of Rasgobindpur Tehsil, Mayurbhanj District, Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi has expressed deep grief and expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.”

“He has also announced an assistance of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) for the next of kin of the deceased,” the post further read.

Why are locals and opposition parties protesting?

Despite this, locals say the amount is insufficient and are pressing for the minister's intervention to ensure accountability for alleged lapses in hostel food safety.

Opposition parties, along with former Biju Janata Dal (BJD) minister Sudam Marandi and members of the Adivasi Sangothon (tribal organisation), staged a strong protest inside the hospital premises.

Protesters raised slogans demanding immediate justice for the victims and their families and called for compensation of Rs 50 lakh to the family of Rupali Besra, along with proper medical care and support for all affected students.

They accused the authorities of negligence in food safety and hygiene standards.

In response, the district administration admitted its lapse and accepted responsibility for the unfortunate incident.

Officials assured that strict action would be taken against all those found guilty or involved in the supply and preparation of the contaminated food.

They also promised to provide necessary medical assistance and compensation to the victims.

Karanjia Sub Collector Dayasindhu Parida, speaking to ANI, on the matter said, "A class 6th student died due to food poisoning. The matter is being inquired into by a high-level committee, and criminal proceedings will be initiated against those involved in the case.”

What did the victim’s father say about the Odisha school food poisoning tragedy?

The father of the deceased victim, Durga Besra, speaking to ANI said, "She used to live in the hostel, and I don't know what was served there. The teachers brought my child to the hospital, and upon reaching, I found that she was serious. She was transferred to another hospital, where she died..."

Local residents and activists demand stricter oversight, better quality of meals in hostels, and accountability to prevent further tragedies.

Authorities have suspended the headmaster, and an investigation is underway.

Class 6 student Rupali Besra died in the hospital after allegedly consuming contaminated or stale food, suspected to have come from her school hostel, while over 150 others fell ill after consuming contaminated food, apparently served at an educational institution or event in Balangir district, Odisha.

Several students remain in critical condition and are undergoing treatment in hospitals.

(With inputs from ANI)