More than 50 girl students fell ill after consuming contaminated rice at Baunsput Upper Primary School hostel in Bandhugaon block of Koraput district.
The incident triggered panic among parents and exposed serious lapses in food safety at government-run schools.
According to reports, students noticed insects in the rice served at the hostel. Shortly after eating the meal, several of them complained of uneasiness and illness. Gradually, more students reported similar symptoms, forcing school authorities to call in a medical team.
Doctors rushed to the school and conducted health check-ups. They confirmed that the students were recovering and did not face any severe complications. Meanwhile, a block extension officer visited the school and discussed with the authorities how contaminated food was served.
As news spread, fear gripped parents and locals, who demanded accountability and stricter monitoring of hostel meals. School authorities destroyed the contaminated food immediately after the incident.
District education officials could not be reached for comment. However, local residents urged district-level authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure such lapses do not recur.
The incident highlights recurring concerns over food safety in government schools and the urgent need for stronger monitoring of mid-day meals and hostel kitchens in Odisha.
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