Rasgovindpur, Ap 16: A high-level inquiry has been ordered following the death of 12-year-old Rupali Besra, a student at Kakabandha Ashram School hostel in Rasgovindpur, Mayurbhanj district, reportedly due to food poisoning. Over 150 people reportedly fell ill after consuming contaminated food, with several students currently in critical condition.Revenue Divisional Commissioner Sudhansu Mohan Samal visited the school and the Community Health Centre (CHC) on Wednesday to assess the situation and initiate the investigation. Speaking to ANI, Samal said, “I will be interacting with the students, the cook, parents, doctors, and others associated with this incident, and thereafter we will find out why it happened and how it can be prevented.”The incident sparked widespread outrage, escalating tensions during Rupali’s funeral procession on Tuesday. Villagers clashed with police as authorities attempted to take her body for last rites. Angry locals, demanding justice and higher compensation, pelted firecrackers at the police vehicle and attempted to block the procession. Around 20 police personnel and 10 villagers were injured in the clash.A heavy security deployment, including three platoons of police along with the Superintendent and Additional SP of Mayurbhanj, was deployed to restore law and order. Villagers demanded that the Odisha Health Minister personally visit the site, ensure proper medical care for affected students, and provide adequate compensation for Rupali’s family.The district administration announced compensation of ₹7 lakh for the family, while Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared an additional ₹3 lakh. Locals have deemed this insufficient, demanding further assistance. Opposition parties, former BJD minister Sudam Marandi, and members of the Adivasi Sangothon staged protests at the hospital, calling for ₹50 lakh compensation and proper medical care for the affected students.Authorities have admitted lapses in food safety and hygiene and have suspended the school headmaster. A high-level committee is investigating the matter, and criminal proceedings are expected against those found responsible for the contaminated food.Karanjia Sub-Collector Dayasindhu Parida stated, “The matter is being inquired into by a high-level committee. The government has sanctioned compensation for the family, and we are taking responsibility to ensure such incidents do not recur. The body is undergoing post-mortem before being handed over to the family.”
High-Level probe ordered after 12-Year-Old dies of suspected food poisoning in Odisha
