Khordha: Two separate incidents in Odisha have raised serious concerns over packet food safety after young children lost their lives allegedly due to toys stuffed inside food packets.

In Khordha district’s Nidhipur village under Begunia block, six‑year‑old Tapas Kumar Paikaray, son of Abhaya Paikaray, died on Thursday evening. Family members alleged that after consuming a packet food item, Tapas attempted to blow up a small balloon found inside the packet. The balloon burst and slipped into his throat, causing suffocation. Despite being rushed to Bottalma Community Health Centre and later shifted to Khordha District Headquarters Hospital, doctors declared him dead.

Villagers and family members have demanded a high‑level probe, strict action against the food company, and ₹50 lakh compensation for the bereaved family.

A similar tragedy was reported days earlier in Kandhamal district’s Musimaha village under Daringbadi block. Four‑year‑old Bigal Pradhan, son of Ranjit Pradhan, died after swallowing a plastic toy that came with a packet food. The toy got stuck in his windpipe, leading to suffocation and nosebleeds. He died on the way to the local health centre.

Both incidents have sparked outrage among locals, who allege that packet food companies are luring children by inserting small toys inside packets, posing grave risks to child safety.