A shocking incident in Sagadghat village under Titlagarh police limits has left an eight‑year‑old boy critically injured after an explosive hidden inside a food packet burst.
The child, son of Laba Harpal, bought a Rs 5 packet of snacks. While playing with a toy that came with the packet, he accidentally threw it into the fire, triggering an explosion. The blast severely damaged his eye and injured his face.
The family, struggling with financial hardship, kept the child at home for four days without proper treatment. They submitted a written complaint at Titilagarh police station. However, police allegedly failed to act. Officer Kalyani Behera claimed no complaint had been received.
Seeking justice, the family approached the Titilagarh Sub‑Collector. Sub‑Collector Samantaray assured arrangements for the child’s medical care and announced Rs 10,000 assistance from the administration.
Despite the family’s plea, authorities have not filed a criminal case against the company that manufactured the packet. Reports suggest administrative pressure from the company may have stalled action. Food inspectors also failed to respond to calls, raising concerns about the monitoring of packaged food safety.
Intellectuals and activists questioned why the administration remained silent despite the gravity of the incident. They demanded strict action against the company and proper medical treatment for the child. Calls for systematic inspection of packaged food items and public awareness campaigns have grown louder.
