 has issued notices to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj){kind=link}
Rights panel seeks report after one student dies and over 100 fall ill at Odisha residential school
April 25, 2026: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to the Odisha Chief Secretary and the Superintendent of Police of Mayurbhanj district over the death of a Class 5 student and more than 100 others falling ill after allegedly consuming stale food at a government-run residential school. The commission took suo motu cognisance of the April 14 incident at Kakabandh Ashram School and has sought a detailed report within two weeks.
According to reports, the deceased student, identified as Rupali Besra, and several others fell ill after eating food served at the hostel. Around 67 students in serious condition were shifted to Baripada Medical College and Hospital, while 41 others were admitted to a nearby Community Health Centre. The NHRC observed that if the reports are accurate, the case raises serious concerns of human rights violations and has asked officials to provide updates on the investigation and the health status of the affected students.
Following the incident, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered an administrative inquiry and announced an ex gratia of ₹3 lakh for the victim’s family. The headmaster, Jayanta Kumar Panigrahi, has been suspended as authorities continue to investigate the suspected food poisoning case.