Date: 2026-04-24Category: Press ReleaseState: Union GovernmentCountry: India
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of a 12-year-old student and over 100 falling ill after consuming stale food at the hostel of Kakabandh Ashram School of Mayurbhanj district in Odisha
**National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Summary: Suo Motu Cognizance of Odisha School Food Poisoning Incident**
**Overview**
On April 24, 2026, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India, took *suo motu* cognizance of a media report regarding a fatal food poisoning incident in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha. On April 14, 2026, a 12-year-old, 5th-standard student died, and more than 100 others fell ill after consuming stale food at the hostel of the Kakabandh Ashram School. The school is operated by the State Government’s ST and SC Welfare Department.
**Impact and Metrics**
* **Fatalities:** One 12-year-old male student.
* **Illnesses:** Over 100 students affected.
* **Serious Cases:** Approximately 67 students were in serious condition and transferred to Baripada Medical College and Hospital.
* **General Hospitalizations:** 41 students were admitted to a local Community Health Centre.
**Commission Action and Requirements**
The NHRC has observed that the incident, if verified, indicates a serious violation of human rights. Consequently, the Commission has issued formal notices to the following authorities:
* **Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha**
* **Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj**
These officials are required to submit a detailed report within **two weeks**. The report must include:
1. The current status of the investigation into the incident.
2. The current health status of the affected students.
**Document Details**
* **Release ID:** 2255239
* **Posted Date:** April 24, 2026, at 2:23 PM
* **Origin:** PIB Delhi
Key Entities Referenced
National Human Rights Commission (NHRC): The statutory body that took suo motu cognizance of human rights violations following a mass food poisoning incident at a school hostel.
Kakabandh Ashram School, Mayurbhanj, Odisha: The educational institution and primary site of the incident where a student died and over 100 others fell ill after consuming stale food.
ST and SC Welfare Department, Odisha: The state government department responsible for the administration and operation of the Kakabandh Ashram School.
Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha: The senior administrative official directed by the NHRC to submit a detailed report on the investigation and victim health status.
Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj: The local law enforcement authority issued a notice by the NHRC to provide a report on the status of the investigation into the incident.
National Human Rights Commission
NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the
reported death of a 12-year-old student and over
100 falling ill after consuming stale food at the
hostel of Kakabandh Ashram School of
Mayurbhanj district in Odisha
Issues notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of Odisha
and the Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj, calling for a
detailed report on the matter within two weeks
It is expected to include the status of the investigation as well
as the health of the victims
Posted On: 24 APR 2026 2:23PM by PIB Delhi
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report
that a 12-year-old boy died and more than 100 others fell ill after consuming stale food at the hostel of the
Kakabandh Ashram School in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha on 14th April 2026. Reportedly, the
victim was a 5th standard student of the school run by the ST and SC Welfare Department of the State
Government.
The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human
rights violations of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of
Odisha and the Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj, calling for a detailed report on the matter within
two weeks. It is expected to include the status of the investigation as well as the health of the victim
students.
According to the media report, carried on 15th April 2026, the condition of about 67 students was serious
and they were shifted to the Baripada Medical College and Hospital. 41 others were admitted to a
Community Health Centre.
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NSK
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