RDC begins probe into Kandhamal mango kernel deaths

Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Following Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi's order for an investigation into recent mango kernel-related deaths in Kandhamal district, Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) for the southern division, Roopa Roshan Sahoo, has begun the inquiry process.

The RDC visited Mandipanka village in the Daringbadi block, meeting with community members, local representatives, and panchayati raj institutions to gather information on the reported deaths and illnesses allegedly linked to mango kernel consumption.

RDC Sahoo spoke with the affected families, ward members, civil society groups, and Kandhamal district officials, accompanied by the district Collector. She also reviewed records of the Public Distribution System (PDS) maintained by the large area multipurpose societies (LAMPS).

The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) has directed that a comprehensive report be submitted within seven days after further investigation. This probe was ordered after public outrage erupted across the state, following reports that two women had died and six others had fallen seriously ill—two of whom were later transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack due to their critical condition—after consuming gruel made from mango kernels in the Kandhamal village under Daringbadi block.