TV
Two minor girls aged three and six died, while two other members of the same family have been battling for their lives after consuming 'sattu' in Ramagiri village under the R. Udayagiri block of Gajapati district last evening.
The deceased have been identified as Tulsi Badamundi (6) and Gunabati Badamundi (3). Meanwhile, another two members of the same family, Arjun Badamundi, and another minor girl have been battling for their lives. The shocking incident has spread a pall of gloom in the region.
According to sources, the entire Badamundi family fell critically ill after consuming the roasted gram flour sourced from the Hatpada Anganwadi center in Ramagiri. They were immediately rushed to Ramagiri Primary Health Center after they complained of severe pain and vomiting after consuming the allegedly contaminated flour on Sunday afternoon.
Rapid Deterioration of Health
After administering primary care, doctors at the PHC referred two girls to the Parlakhemundi District Headquarters Hospital for advanced care after their condition worsened. However, Tulsi died before being shifted in the ambulance, while her three-year-old sister Gunabati breathed her last during treatment at the DHH.
Doctor’s Statement on the Condition of the Children
“The parents had brought the two girls in a serious condition with both experiencing shortness of breath and rapid heartbeat. Despite offering them immediate care, the health of the two girls deteriorated. So we made arrangements for them to be shifted to Paralakhemundi DHH. However, one of them passed away before being taken to Parlakhemundi while another girl died during treatment,” stated Dr. Brajaraj Kar of Ramagiri PHC.
Current Condition of Other Family Members
Till the last reports came in, the critically ill man and the other girl had also been fighting for their lives after being shifted to Berhampur as their condition worsened.
Police Investigation and Seizure of Contaminated Flour
Meanwhile, police have taken stock of the situation and seized the bag of gram flour which is said to be allegedly contaminated. A probe is on to ascertain the truth behind the allegations and determine the exact cause of death of the two girls. However, the police did not offer any additional comments on the matter.
Role of Local ASHA Worker
It is worth mentioning that a local ASHA worker provided the information on the family’s critical health and facilitated the admission of the critically ill individuals to the hospital.
