A pall of gloom descended over Ramagiri village under the R. Udayagiri block of Gajapati district after two minor girls lost their lives and two other family members were left battling for survival after consuming suspected contaminated ‘sattu’ (roasted gram flour) on Sunday evening.
The deceased have been identified as six-year-old Tulsi Badamundi and her three-year-old sister, Gunabati Badamundi. Their father, Arjun Badamundi, and another minor girl from the same family remain in critical condition.
Contaminated Sattu Suspected
Sources said the Badamundi family fell seriously ill after consuming the roasted gram flour, allegedly sourced from the Hatpada Anganwadi Center in Ramagiri. The family complained of severe abdominal pain and vomiting shortly after the meal.
They were immediately rushed to the Ramagiri Primary Health Center (PHC). However, as their condition worsened, doctors referred the two girls to the Parlakhemundi District Headquarters Hospital (DHH) for advanced treatment.
Rapid Health Deterioration
Despite medical efforts, Tulsi succumbed in the ambulance before reaching the DHH, while Gunabati died during treatment. “Both children were brought in with severe breathing difficulty and rapid heartbeat. Despite our best efforts, we could not save them,” stated Dr. Brajaraj Kar of Ramagiri PHC.
Others Critical, Shifted to Berhampur
The condition of Arjun Badamundi and the other minor girl also deteriorated, prompting doctors to shift them to Berhampur for further treatment. Both remain critical.
Police Investigation Underway
Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation and seized the suspected contaminated gram flour for examination. A detailed probe is underway to determine the cause of the tragic incident and verify the source of the contaminated ‘sattu.’
Authorities have refrained from further comments until the investigation concludes. The incident has left the village in shock, raising serious questions about food safety at the Anganwadi center.
