New Delhi, 24 April (H.S.):

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged death of a tribal residential‑school student in Odisha caused by contaminated mid‑day food and has issued notices to the state’s Chief Secretary and the District Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj, calling for a detailed report within two weeks. The Khaka‑bandha Ashram School hostel, located in the Rasgovindpur block of Mayurbhanj district, runs under the State government’s tribal‑welfare scheme and serves food to a large number of students belonging to disadvantaged communities.

In its order, the Commission has directed the authorities to submit information not only on the status of the investigation but also on the present health condition of the affected students. The incident, which occurred on 12–13 April 2026, reportedly followed the consumption of a breakfast that included fermented rice (pakhala), mashed potatoes and mango chutney, which were not part of the authorised school menu.

According to health officials and local media reports, more than 100 students fell ill after the meal, with severe diarrhoea and vomiting. One Class V student died in hospital, while approximately 67 severely affected children were admitted to Baripada Medical College and Hospital; another 41 students were treated at a Community Health Centre. The tragedy has triggered public outrage and demands for stringent action against those responsible for the food‑safety lapses in the school hostel.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar