NHRC Notice to Odisha Govt After Mayurbhanj Student Death
Bhubaneswar, April 25: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the SP of Mayurbhanj district, seeking a detailed report within two weeks on the tragic incident at Kakabandh Ashram School.
On April 14, a 12‑year‑old Class 5 student, Rupali Besra, died, and more than 100 students fell ill after consuming allegedly stale hostel food.
While 67 students were admitted to Baripada Medical College & Hospital, another 41 received treatment at a nearby community health centre.
The hostel meal reportedly included pakhala, saga bhaja, and aloo bharta, suspected to have caused the mass food poisoning.
Following the incident, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered an administrative inquiry by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (Central Division) and announced Rs 3 lakh ex gratia for the bereaved family.
The school headmaster, Jayanta Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended pending investigation.
The NHRC expressed concern over possible human rights violations and demanded updates on the inquiry and the health status of affected students.
