Diarrhoea Outbreak Sickens Dozens of Students at Mayurbhanj Ashram School

Mayurbhanj, April 12: At least 60 students of Kakbandh Ashram School in Rasgovindpur block, Mayurbhanj district, fell ill on Sunday following a suspected diarrhoea outbreak.

The children were rushed to the Rasgovindpur Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment.

Parents alleged that the illness was triggered by stale food served at the school, including pakhala (fermented rice), mashed potatoes, and mango chutney.

While families claimed 60 students were affected, school authorities reported only 15 cases.

Locals accused the school of delaying medical transport, noting that sick children were initially moved in auto‑rickshaws and formally taken to the CHC only around 3:30 p.m., despite symptoms starting at 8 a.m.

The incident has sparked outrage among parents and villagers, who are demanding a thorough investigation and strict action against those responsible.

Authorities are probing the matter to determine the exact cause of the outbreak and assess food safety protocols in residential schools.