In an unfortunate incident, as many as 20 persons were reported to be critical after they were splashed with chemical laced toxic colour during Holi celebration at Kantabanji area in Bolangir district on Tuesday.
The critical persons were immediately admitted to Bolangir hospital following the incident.
As per reports, some unidentified residents of Ashok Nagar and Anand Nagar areas under Kantabanji police station splashed some colours on the victims during Holi celebration in the area.
However, the colour is suspected to be laced with toxic chemicals. Under the effect of the toxic colour, swelling spots developed on the bodies of the 20 youths after some hours and they became critical.
Subsequently, all the critical youths were admitted to Kantabanji hospital on Tuesday night. Later, they were referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital as their condition deteriorated.
However, no complaint in this regard has been registered at Kantabanji police station yet. People in the area are suspecting that the unfortunate incident happened as the colour was laced with toxic chemical.
The persons who splashed the colour, laced with toxic chemicals, on the victims are yet to be identified. Local residents are demanding a thorough probe into the incident.