25 Odisha Students Fall Ill After Eating Snacks Served at Police Awareness Function
Twenty-five Odisha hostel students were hospitalised with gastroenteritis after consuming police event snacks.
At least 25 students from Lahandabud Panchayat High School in Sundargarh district fell ill after consuming snacks served during a community policing programme held on the school premises. The incident occurred following an awareness event organised under a police outreach initiative on Wednesday evening.
According to school authorities, the affected students include 19 girls and six boys from Classes IX and X, all of whom are hostel boarders. After the programme concluded around 6:15 pm, students were served fried snacks such as samosas and vadas by the organisers before returning to their routine at the hostel.
School headmaster Manbodh Pruseth stated that the students later had their regular dinner, but several began reporting symptoms early Thursday morning. Initially, eight girls complained of discomfort and were rushed to a medical facility, with more students developing similar symptoms in the following hours.
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As the situation progressed, additional students, including boys, reported illness, bringing the total number of affected individuals to 25. Some students were admitted to the Majhapada Primary Health Centre, while others were taken to Sundargarh Government Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
District Education Officer Muralidhar Behera confirmed that around 79 hostel students had attended the programme and consumed the snacks. Doctors suspect food poisoning as the likely cause, with symptoms including vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhoea reported among the students.
Officials, including district collector Subhankar Mohapatra, visited the hospital to assess the situation and monitor treatment. Medical authorities confirmed that all affected students are currently stable and under observation, while an inquiry is expected to determine whether the food served was contaminated or improperly prepared.
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