Following the death of a student and illness of five others due to food poisoning, the headmaster and a teacher of a residential school at Maringi village of Gosani block in Odisha’s Gajapati district were suspended from duty by the administration.
The six students complained of uneasiness and stomach cramps after having dinner on March 23 night. All of them were rushed to a nearby medical centre at Garabandha. One of them, Tuni Raita of Class II, died during treatment. The other five were shifted to the district headquarters hospital in Paralakhemundi on Sunday.
Ramesh Mishra, one of the doctors treating the students, said they had developed serious symptoms of food poisoning like vomiting and loose motion. Their condition has improved after treatment and they may be discharged on Monday night, the doctor added.
The district administration has initiated action against the school headmaster, Umakant Choudhury, and an assistant teacher, Anita Nayak. Both of them have been suspended and an inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the reason behind the food poisoning, said Gajapati District Welfare Officer Santosh Rath. Ms. Nayak was the superintendent of the school hostel.
According to Mr. Rath, samples of the food consumed as dinner by the students on March 23 night have been sent for forensic test. Autopsy report of the deceased girl is awaited. On the fateful day, the students had consumed eggs during lunch and vegetarian fare at night, added Mr. Rath.
