Bhubaneswar: National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued notices to the Mayurbhanj district collector, superintendent of police (SP), and ST & SC development, minorities & backward classes welfare department in connection with a suspected food poisoning incident at a residential school that led to the death of a Class V tribal girl on April 14 and left hundreds of students sick.The commission has initiated an inquiry into the incident that occurred at Kakabandha Ashram School under Rasgovindpur block in Mayurbhanj district, following a complaint submitted by a delegation, led by BJD spokesperson Priyabrata Majhi.According to the notice, the NCST will investigate the complaint filed on April 15, 2026, exercising its powers under Article 338(A) of the Constitution. The authorities have been directed to submit detailed reports on the incident, action taken and other relevant information within a week.
The commission has warned that failure to respond within the stipulated time may lead to the exercise of civil court powers, including issuance of summons.The students reportedly fell ill after consuming food, including pakhala, aloo bharta, mango chutney and leafy greens, prepared at the school. Rupali Besra later died at Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College and Hospital.Following the incident, the state govt ordered an inquiry and suspended the headmaster. An RDC-level probe is underway.
