TNI Bureau: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has issued a notice to the Odisha government, Mayurbhanj Collector, and Superintendent of Police over the alleged tragic death of a tribal student and mass illness caused by suspected food poisoning at Kakabandh Ashram School in Mayurbhanj district.

The notice was issued following a representation submitted by Dr. Priyabrata Majhi and others of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), Bhubaneswar, on April 15, 2026. The complaint highlighted serious allegations regarding the death of a tribal student and several students falling ill after consuming food at the residential Ashram School.

Acting under Article 338A of the Constitution, the NCST has decided to investigate the matter and directed the concerned authorities to submit complete facts, information, and details of action taken within seven days of receiving the notice.

The notice was addressed to the Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the ST & SC Development, Minorities and Backward Classes Welfare Department, the Collector and District Magistrate of Mayurbhanj, and the Superintendent of Police, Mayurbhanj.

The Commission warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to the exercise of civil court powers, including issuing summons for personal appearance before the Commission.

The move has intensified focus on the safety and welfare of tribal students in residential schools across Odisha, with demands growing for accountability and strict action against negligence.