Students Welfare / Mayurbhanj Hostel Food Scare: 92 Students Fall Ill

Mayurbhanj, Jul 24: A major health scare unfolded in Mayurbhanj district after 92 students of Saragoda KGBV School, under Bijatala block, were reported ill with diarrhoea and vomiting.

The outbreak, which began last Wednesday, has been linked to poor-quality food served at the hostel, including expired paneer curry, substandard chhatua, and stale rice water (pakhala).

Initially, 20 students were admitted to Rairangpur hospital for treatment. Doctors discharged them after recovery on Thursday, but three more students were later admitted.

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As the situation worsened, a medical team was stationed at the hostel premises, converting the girls’ hostel into a temporary treatment centre. Doctors confirmed that the illness was caused by consumption of unhygienic food.

The incident drew immediate attention from district authorities. The Deputy Collector of Bamanghati visited the hospital and reported the matter to the District Collector.

Subsequently, the District Education Officer (DEO), Block Education Officer (BEO), and a BJP team inspected the school premises.

While doctors confirmed that 92 students were affected, the DEO claimed the number was lower, raising questions about transparency in reporting.

Parents, alarmed by the sudden outbreak, rushed to the school to take their children home. Fear and anger spread among guardians, who demanded accountability from school authorities.

The incident has sparked widespread concern about the quality of food served in government-run hostels, especially those catering to vulnerable students.

The administration’s response is being closely watched, as parents and the public demand stronger monitoring of hostel food standards to prevent such incidents in the future. For now, the affected students are under medical care.