Naveen Patnaik criticises Odisha government over fatal mango kernel gruel incident; BJP responds
Food samples test positive for hydrogen sulfide, confirms Odisha public health director
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, Nov. 8: Leader of the Opposition and Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik criticised the Odisha government on Thursday regarding the reported deaths of two women after consuming what is suspected to be “contaminated” mango kernel gruel.
“Without justification, the state government has halted rice distribution under the Public Distribution System (PDS) to our underprivileged tribal communities, leaving them with no option but to rely on mango kernel gruel. This is profoundly tragic,” Patnaik remarked.
Drawing on an Odia proverb, he added, “Amara Bara Barsara Tapasya Ku Sukhua Podare Saridele” (meaning, “They have undone our efforts over the past 12 years to ensure food security”).
Responding to Patnaik’s remarks, Kantabanji BJP MLA Laxman Bag commented, “I am not sure when Naveen Babu engaged in such ‘tapasya’ (penance) on an empty stomach over the past 12 years, nor do I know when he last donned a yogi’s attire. If he claims this experience, perhaps the media should ask him when he received his ‘deeksha’ (initiation) and embraced the life of a yogi.”
The two women allegedly died after consuming mango kernel gruel in Mandipanka village, located in the Daringbadi block of Kandhamal district. Six other individuals who also consumed the gruel were reported critically ill.
On Thursday, Odisha’s public health director Nilakantha Mishra confirmed the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the gruel from Mandipanka, declaring it toxic. “Test results confirm the presence of hydrogen sulfide in the food,” Mishra stated.
Mishra also shared updates on two patients being treated at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, noting improvements in their health. “The latest dialysis reports show reduced creatinine levels, an indicator of kidney recovery, and they are regaining consciousness. Their mental conditions have also stabilized,” he added.
He further explained that while the gruel initially appeared safe, it became toxic after two days, leading to severe health complications. Mishra refrained from commenting further, as an RDC-level investigation is underway.
