RDC inquiry ordered following Kandhamal mango kernel tragedy

Bhubaneswar, Nov 5: The recent deaths of two women in Kandhamal due to alleged mango kernel consumption have sparked widespread outrage across Odisha. Responding to public outcry, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered an in-depth investigation led by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC).

"Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for an RDC-level inquiry into the Kandhamal mango kernel deaths," stated the Chief Minister’s office.

This directive follows a tragic incident in Mandipanka village of Daringbadi block, where two women, Ramita Patmajhi and Runu Majhi, reportedly died after consuming a gruel made from mango kernels. Six others fell seriously ill, with two later transferred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack as their conditions worsened.

Initial findings suggest the women may have died from multi-organ failure due to fulminant hepatitis, potentially caused by fungal infection. Public Health Director Nilakantha Mishra noted that two patients currently receiving treatment at SCB have shown signs of pulmonary and hepatic failure. Final confirmation is pending postmortem and food test results.