Bhubaneswar, Nov 8: The Odisha Human Rights Commission (OHRC) has expressed concern over the deaths of two tribal women in Kandhamal district, allegedly caused by consuming mango kernel gruel. The OHRC has issued notices to the Secretaries of the Food & Civil Supplies and Health & Family Welfare departments, as well as the Kandhamal Collector, directing them to submit reports by December 20.

The Commission, led by Justice Shatrughna Pujahari, also instructed the state government to address hunger issues in tribal areas, ensure timely distribution of food under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), and provide immediate medical care and nutritious food to affected families.

The OHRC’s actions followed a petition by human rights activist Pradip Nayak, who highlighted the struggles of tribal communities in Kandhamal. He alleged that delays in rice distribution under the NFSA forced villagers to consume mango kernel gruel, leading to the deaths and illness.

On October 30, two women, Ramita Patmajhi and Runu Majhi from Mandipanka village in Daringbadi block, died, and six others fell ill after consuming the gruel. Medical reports indicate that fulminant hepatitis and multi-organ failure caused the deaths, with further investigations pointing to pulmonary hepatic failure due to fungal infection in some patients admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack.

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