At least 10 students of a private college at Rupsa in Balasore district were taken ill after they allegedly consumed phenyl-laced Kheer on Friday.
Of the 10 students, the condition of six students is stated to be critical.
As per reports, the incident took place at a mess where the students stayed. Sources said that in the absence of the chief cook at the mess, the assistant cook, who is an old woman, prepared lunch for the students. Along with the curry, she also prepared 'Kheer'. It is suspected that the elderly woman (cook) poured phenyl into the Kheer instead of milk which made the food poisonous.
As soon as the students consumed the Kheer their health condition deteriorated. They were rushed to the community healthcare centre in Rupsa for preliminary treatment. Out of the ten, the doctor at the healthcare centre referred six critically ill students to the district healthcare centre in Balasore.
All the students have been kept under observation of medical professionals to detect the symptoms of the chemical poisoning and are provided treatment accordingly.
"The unwell students were admitted at the healthcare centre and provided treatment according to their symptoms. Further treatment will be provided after learning about the state of health," said Sushant Maharana, a Doctor.
However, questions have been raised as to how neither the cook nor the students could smell the strong odour of phenyl before eating the Kheer.