Baripada (Mayurbhanj): At least 60 students of Kakbandh Ashram School under Rasgovindpur block in Mayurbhanj district fell ill following a diarrhoea outbreak on the school premises on Sunday. The affected students were admitted to Rasgovindpur Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment.
According to family members of the students, the outbreak was suspected to have been triggered after the children were served ‘pakhala’ (fermented rice), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney, along with allegedly stale food provided by the school.
While parents claimed around 60 students were affected, school authorities maintained that only 15 students reported symptoms of illness.
Family members also alleged negligence in handling the emergency situation, stating that the sick students were initially transported to the health facility in auto-rickshaws. They further alleged that despite several children suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting since around 8 a.m., the school administration delayed arranging transport services until approximately 3:30 p.m.
The incident has triggered concern among parents and local residents, who have demanded a thorough investigation into the cause of the outbreak and strict action against those responsible.
