A wave of outrage has gripped Mayurbhanj following the death of Rupali Beshra, a Class 5 student of Kakabandh Ashram Vidyalaya. Rupali passed away while in the ICU at Baripada District Headquarters Hospital after more than 65 students fell ill from suspected food poisoning last Sunday.
The tragedy sparked immediate fury. Angry parents and locals set school premises on fire and blocked roads with burning tires. In response, the government has suspended the school’s headmaster to ensure accountability.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi expressed profound grief over the incident, announcing Rs 3 lakh compensation for the bereaved family from the CM’s Relief Fund.
The Incident at a Glance:
Cause: Students fell ill after consuming porridge and potato bharta.
Impact: 65 children hospitalized; one fatality.
Action: Police and administration are on-site to restore order and investigate the lapse in food safety.
This heartbreaking event has raised serious concerns regarding the safety and management of residential schools in the region.