Bhubaneswar: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj district, seeking a detailed report within two weeks over the death of a minor girl and over 100 students falling ill after allegedly consuming stale food at a state-run residential school.
The rights panel took suo motu cognisance of media reports regarding the April 14 incident at Kakabandh Ashram School in Mayurbhanj district, where a Class 5 student died and several others were taken ill after eating food served at the hostel.
In its notice, the NHRC observed that the contents of the report, if found to be true, raise serious concerns of human rights violations. It has asked the state authorities to submit a comprehensive report, including the status of the investigation and the current health condition of the affected students.
According to official sources, around 67 students with serious symptoms were admitted to Baripada Medical College and Hospital, while 41 others were undergoing treatment at a nearby community health centre.
The deceased student has been identified as 12-year-old Rupali Besra. The incident is suspected to be a case of food poisoning after students consumed stale pakhala, saga bhaja, and aloo bharta served at the hostel.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered an administrative inquiry into the incident by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central Division). He also announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh for the bereaved family.
Meanwhile, the headmaster of the school, Jayanta Kumar Panigrahi, has been placed under suspension by the district administration pending investigation.
