At least 92 girl students of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district fell ill after allegedly consuming contaminated food at the school’s hostel. The incident prompted swift action from the School and Mass Education Department, which suspended the school’s headmistress and ordered an investigation.
The affected students reportedly experienced vomiting and diarrhoea after eating food served at the residential school in Saragada village under Bijatala block of the Bamanghati subdivision.
Students Receive Immediate Medical Care
Following the incident, several students were shifted to the Rairangpur Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment, while a medical team visited the school to provide on-site care to the remaining students.
Officials said all affected students received timely medical attention, and their condition is being closely monitored.
Headmistress Suspended Pending Probe
Taking serious note of the incident, the School and Mass Education Department suspended headmistress Hiramani Hembram with immediate effect.
The action was taken based on reports submitted by District Education Officer Purnachandra Sethy and Bijatala Block Education Officer Dilip Kumar Nanda.
During the suspension period, Hembram has been directed to report to Patapur Upper Primary Vidyalaya under Bijatala block until further orders.
Department Orders Investigation
The state government has initiated an inquiry to determine the circumstances that led to the students falling ill.
The investigation is expected to examine food preparation, storage practices, hygiene standards and adherence to safety protocols at the hostel.
Authorities will take further action based on the findings of the inquiry.
Interim Administrative Arrangement
To ensure the smooth functioning of the school, Dulimani Soren has been appointed as the in-charge headmistress of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya until further orders.
Officials have assured that all necessary measures will be taken to safeguard the health and well-being of students and prevent similar incidents in the future.
