Investigation Launched After Class 5 Student's Death from Suspected Food Poisoning in Odisha
Synopsis
A Class 5 student tragically dies from suspected food poisoning at a government tribal school in Mayurbhanj. Odisha's CM announces Rs 3 lakh aid for the family and orders an inquiry into the incident.
Key Takeaways
Tragic death of a Class 5 student due to suspected food poisoning.
Chief Minister announced Rs 3 lakh aid for the family.
An inquiry is underway to investigate the circumstances.
Over 140 students fell ill, leading to emergency medical responses.
Headmaster of the school has been suspended .
Bhubaneswar, April 15 (NationPress) In a tragic incident, a Class 5 student has reportedly died due to suspected food poisoning at a government-managed tribal school located in Mayurbhanj district. Odisha's Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, has declared an ex gratia payment of Rs three lakh for the family of the deceased and has initiated an investigation led by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC), Central Division.
Following the unfortunate demise of Rupali Besra, a student from the Ashram School in Rasgovindpur tehsil, the Chief Minister expressed profound sorrow and extended his sympathies to the grieving family through an official statement from the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) issued late Tuesday night.
In addition to the ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF), CM Majhi has mandated that an inquiry be conducted at the RDC level regarding the circumstances that led to the students' illness and Rupali’s passing. The RDC will be visiting the government Ashram School on Wednesday to gather more information about the incident.
Moreover, a medical team is scheduled to arrive in Rasgovindpur on Wednesday to perform health assessments of the affected children.
The CMO further revealed that health officials from the Directorate of Public Health, including the Joint Director of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and a Microbiology specialist, are already in Baripada to manage the situation.
It’s crucial to note that over 140 students from the state-run Ashram School at Kakabandha in Rasgovindpur tehsil fell ill on Sunday after consuming meals that included ‘pakhala’ (fermented rice), vegetable curry, and mashed potatoes.
They were promptly transported to the nearby Community Health Centre, and due to the deteriorating condition of some students, approximately 70 were transferred to a medical college in Baripada.
Unfortunately, Rupali Besra, aged 12, succumbed to her illness while receiving treatment in the ICU on Tuesday.
As a consequence of this incident, the headmaster of the school has been suspended.
Point of View
Particularly those catering to vulnerable populations. The government must ensure accountability and preventive measures to safeguard students' well-being.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the death of the Class 5 student?
The death is suspected to be due to food poisoning from meals consumed at the school.
What compensation has been announced for the family?
Odisha's Chief Minister has announced an ex gratia of Rs three lakh for the deceased’s family.
What actions are being taken following the incident?
An inquiry has been ordered by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner, and a medical team will conduct health assessments of other students.
How many students fell ill at the school?
Over 140 students at the state-run Ashram School reported illness after consuming a meal.
What is the current status of the students who fell ill?
Many were treated at a Community Health Centre, with around 70 transferred to a medical college in Baripada.
