Bhubaneswar, March 28: In a concerning turn of events, at least 20 individuals were reported to be in critical condition following Holi festivities with colors containing harmful chemicals in the Kantabanji area of Balangir district, Odisha.

Residents of Ashok Nagar and Anand Nagar localities, falling under the jurisdiction of Kantabanji police station, reportedly applied colors infused with toxic substances during Tuesday's Holi celebrations, leading to severe skin infections among the victims.

Suspected exposure to these hazardous chemicals resulted in swelling and critical conditions for approximately 20 individuals after several hours of contact with the colored substances.

Prompt medical attention was sought, with the affected individuals initially being taken to Kantabanji hospital on Tuesday night. However, due to the worsening of their conditions, they were subsequently transferred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir.

Despite the severity of the incident, no formal complaints have been filed at Kantabanji police station thus far. Local residents are urging authorities to conduct a thorough investigation to identify those responsible for distributing and applying the harmful chemical-laced colors during the Holi celebrations.

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