In yet another embarrassment to the Naveen Patnaik Government which is under widespread criticism for a man shouldering her wife’s dead body due to Government apathy, at least two tribal persons died and six others fell severely ill after reportedly consuming a gruel made out of mango kernel in the Kashipur block of tribals-dominated Rayagada district.
The six sick persons were admitted at the Community Health Centre (CHC) in Kashipur.
While a minor boy had died on Thursday, a 60-year-old man died at the hospital on Saturday. They had consumed mango kernel gruel in Sipijodi village of Talajhiri panchayat under Kashipur block.
The deceased were identified as Ranjan Kumar Majhi (13) and Shiva Majhi (60).
According to villagers, the victims had prepared gruel from mango seeds and drunk it. After consuming it,
Ranjan developed diarrhoea while seven others, including his parents, were rushed to the Kashipur CHC.
“A probe is on to ascertain whether they had consumed mango kernel or it was a case of food poisoning. A team of doctors is inquiring into the matter and steps would be taken accordingly,”
said Rayagada Additional District Magistrate laxmikant Behera.