At least 25 students fell ill after eating snacks during an awareness programme at Salangabuda Panchayat High School in Sundargarh district.
Reports confirmed that 19 girls and 38 boys from Classes IX and X complained of illness after consuming singada and bara. Later that night, several students developed diarrhoea and vomiting. Nineteen girls showed serious symptoms and were admitted to the Majhapada Community Health Centre and the Sundargarh Government Medical College and Hospital.
The snacks were distributed during the “Ama Police” awareness programme conducted by Dharuadihi police. However, students also consumed hostel food the same evening, raising uncertainty about the source of the illness. Authorities are investigating whether the suspected food poisoning originated from the snacks or the hostel meal.
Most affected students recovered after initial treatment. The condition of the 19 admitted girls remains serious. Medical teams are monitoring their progress closely.
Officials have launched a probe to identify the cause of the suspected food poisoning. Health authorities are examining food samples and collecting statements from students and staff.
