BJD Urges NCST to Probe Tribal Student’s Death, Food Poisoning Incident in Mayurbhanj School

Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has called on the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to intervene in the death of a tribal student and a mass food poisoning incident at a government-run residential school in Rasagovindpur block of Mayurbhanj district.

In a letter to NCST Chairman Antar Singh Arya, senior BJD leaders stated that a 12-year-old tribal student, Rupali Besra, died on April 14 while undergoing treatment at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital in Baripada. They further said that more than 150 students residing in the hostel fell seriously ill after consuming allegedly stale food served on April 12.

According to the party, the meal included pakhala (fermented rice), saga bhaja, and mashed potatoes, which were reportedly leftovers from April 11 and served in violation of prescribed dietary norms.

Expressing concern, BJD leaders alleged negligence, poor adherence to food safety standards, and failure of duty by authorities responsible for the welfare of Scheduled Tribe students. They termed it alarming that substandard food was served despite a mandated nutritious meal plan.

Several affected students are still undergoing treatment at the Baripada medical college hospital and the Community Health Centre in Rasagovindpur, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.

The incident has sparked widespread outrage among parents, local residents, and the public. Calling it a serious systemic lapse, the BJD has demanded immediate and strict action.

The party urged the NCST to conduct an independent and thorough inquiry, fix accountability, and take stringent action against those responsible. It also sought adequate compensation and support for the deceased student’s family, along with proper medical care and rehabilitation for the affected students.

Additionally, the BJD requested the commission to recommend measures to strengthen food safety, monitoring, and accountability mechanisms in all government-run Ashram schools across the state.

The party also appealed to the NCST Chairman to visit Mayurbhanj district at the earliest for a first-hand assessment, stating that such a move would help restore confidence among affected families and the tribal community.

“We request immediate intervention to ensure justice for the victim and safeguard the well-being and rights of tribal students,” the BJD leaders said.