Kandhamal Deaths Due to Food Poisoning, Not Starvation, Says Odisha Minister In Assembly

Bhubaneswar: A day after the Opposition created a ruckus in the Odisha Assembly over the deaths of three tribal women allegedly after consumption of mango kernel gruel in Kandhamal district, the government reiterated that the deaths were caused by food poisoning and not starvation.

Speaking on significant topics related to food distribution and efficiency of logistics in the Assembly on Wednesday, Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said the government had carried a thorough investigation into the death of three women in Kandhamal.

The investigation revealed that the three women did not die due to starvation as their families had adequate stock of food at the time. The tribal women suffered from food poisoning after consuming mango kernel gruel and were hispitalised. Moreover, the post-mortem reports of the deceased confirmed death due to food poisoning, he added.

Stating that the government was taking adequate steps to ensure the supply and logistics of food items under PDS, the minister said the officials visiting the victims’ houses found that some beneficiaries lacked KYC documents.

He further said financial support has been extended to the bereaved families, while steps were being taken to further streamline the PDS in remote areas. The government plans to supply rice to the beneficiaries 45 days in advance.

The government plans to open more PDS outlets in remote regions and supply ration materials for one to two months at a time, the minister said.

Also Read: Uproar In Odisha Assembly Over Missing Words In Constitution’s Preamble; Business Stalled On Day-1