Odisha school tragedy: One dead,over 100 ill after eating mid-day meal

A tragic incident has raised serious concerns over food safety in government-run schools after more than 100 students fell ill and one died following a meal served at a tribal residential school in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district.According to officials, the incident occurred at the Kakabandha Ashram School in Rasgobindpur, where students reportedly consumed food items not listed in the authorised menu on Sunday morning. Within hours, several children complained of discomfort, with symptoms including vomiting and loose motion.
Parents alleged that the meal included fermented rice (pakhala), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney. Soon after, over 100 students were rushed to a nearby community health centre, while 67 of them, said to be in critical condition, were shifted to Pandit Raghunath Murmu (PRM) Medical College and Hospital in Baripada.The situation turned grim when Rupali Besra, a Class 5 student, succumbed on Tuesday morning despite being admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and receiving continuous medical attention. Officials confirmed that 66 students are currently undergoing treatment at the medical college, while 41 others remain admitted at the local health centre.
Mohan Charan Majhi expressed deep sorrow over the loss and ordered a high-level probe into the incident. The Chief Minister has directed the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central Division) to visit the site and investigate the circumstances leading to the tragedy.A statement from the Chief Minister’s Office said that financial assistance of Rs3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund has been announced for the deceased student’s family. In addition, the state government has declared an ex gratia of Rs7 lakh for the next of kin.
Authorities have mobilised medical teams, with one stationed at the school and another at the hospital, while senior officials from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have been rushed to the area to assess the situation.

Odisha CMO tweets, "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… https://t.co/XwMsKQzc2O pic.twitter.com/NQBBqG7Pzf

— ANI (@ANI) April 14, 2026

Mayurbhanj District Collector Hema Kanta Say confirmed that both a police investigation and an independent administrative inquiry are underway. Preliminary allegations suggest that the headmaster served food outside the prescribed menu, prompting action against those responsible. “Strict action will be taken against the teachers and officials found negligent,” the collector said.Police have registered a case based on a complaint filed by the deceased student’s mother.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated in the region as angry villagers staged a road blockade on the Rasgobindpur–Jaleswar route, demanding accountability and adequate compensation for the affected families.The school’s headteacher, Jayant Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended on charges of negligence.
Odisha Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra visited the hospital and interacted with the affected students and their families.Reacting to the incident, Bhakta Charan Das termed it a case of “gross negligence and systemic failure,” calling for immediate accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure student safety in state-run institutions.