Incident of Student Death After Consuming Contaminated Food at Kakabandha Ashram School
National Commission for Scheduled Tribes Issues Notice to Mayurbhanj Collector, SP and ST & SC Development Department
Bhubaneswar, 27/04/2026:In connection with the incident at Kakabandha Ashram School located in Nalgaja Panchayat under Rasgovindpur Block of Mayurbhanj district where a Class V tribal girl student died after consuming contaminated food and hundreds of students fell ill the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has taken strict action.
The Commission has initiated an inquiry based on a complaint submitted by a delegation led by Dr. PriyabrataMajhi, Media Coordinator and Spokesperson of the Biju Janata Dal. In this regard, the NCST has issued notices to the Mayurbhanj District Collector, Superintendent of Police (SP), and the ST & SC Development Department of the Government of Odisha.
According to the notice issued, the Commission will investigate the complaint received from Dr. PriyabrataMajhi dated April 15, 2026. The Commission is exercising its powers under Article 338(A) of the Constitution of India to conduct the inquiry. As per the notice, the concerned authorities have been directed to submit details of the incident, actions taken, and relevant information within seven days. If no response is received within the stipulated time, the Commission may exercise the powers of a civil court and issue summons.
The notice has been issued under the signature of Dr. P. Kalyan Reddy, Director of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, and a copy has also been forwarded to Dr. PriyabrataMajhi.
It may be noted that on April 19, after consuming food prepared in the school (pakhala, aloo masala, mango chutney, and leafy vegetables), hundreds of students fell ill. A Class V student, RupaliBesra, who was undergoing treatment in the ICU of Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital, succumbed during treatment.
Following the incident, the Government of Odisha initiated an investigation and announced financial assistance of ₹7 lakh for the deceased student’s family. The headmaster of the school has been suspended, and an RDC-level inquiry is currently underway.
However, the incident has raised serious concerns regarding the quality and safety of food in ashram schools for tribal students. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has also taken suomotu cognizance of the matter and sought a report. It is expected that the Commission’s notice will further expedite the investigation. All concerned officials and departments have been directed to respond promptly.
