Odisha CM Orders Probe Into Kandhamal Food Poisoning Deaths of Two Tribal Women | Bhubaneswar News
Berhampur: Chief minister Mohan Majhi on Tuesday ordered an inquiry by the revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) into the deaths of two tribal women after allegedly consuming mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal district.
The chief minister’s office (CMO) informed the media about ordering the RDC-level probe. Further details regarding the scope of inquiry and deadline are likely to be notified soon.
The incident, which occurred at Mandipanka village in Daringbadi block on Friday, also left six other women ill, with two in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Runi Majhi (25) and Ramita Majhi (32).
Opposition parties, including BJD, Congress and CPM, have claimed the deaths resulted from villagers being forced to consume mango kernel due to delayed distribution of rice under the Food Security Act. However, health officials attributed the deaths to food poisoning.
Two critically ill patients — Tuni Majhi (44) and Geeta Majhi (35) — are currently being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack, with doctors reporting multi-organ failure. Four others are being treated at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur and are reported to be stable.
“We have collected samples of the mango kernel and water for laboratory testing. We are awaiting the results,” said SK Padhy, chief district medical officer, Kandhamal.
Kandhamal collector Amrit Ruturaj visited the affected village on Monday and assured residents of establishing a sub-centre for rice distribution under the public distribution system. He also promised improvements in local infrastructure.
Opposition members, who recently met with the victims’ families, have demanded a high-level inquiry into the incident.
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