An alleged attempt to contaminate a school borewell with ‘poison’ was reported on Saturday at Sindhabeda Upper Primary School under Dalapatiguda panchayat in Mathili block of Odisha’s Malkangiri district, raising serious concerns over student safety.

The incident came to light after borewell water at the school was found to be unusual in appearance and smell, prompting school authorities to take immediate precautionary measures and avert a potential health hazard.

Contaminated Water Not Used After Unusual Odour

According to sources, the issue was detected shortly after the school reopened for the day. During preparations for the midday meal, women engaged in cooking noticed foam in the borewell water along with a strange odour when the water motor was switched on. As the water is usually used for drinking and cooking, the abnormality was immediately reported to the school authorities.

The matter was subsequently brought to the notice of the School Management Committee (SMC), following which students were immediately prevented from using the water. Acting on the committee’s decision, a complaint was lodged at Mathili police station.

Following the complaint, police personnel and officials from the Water Supply Department visited the school premises. In their presence, water samples were collected from the borewell for laboratory examination. As a precaution, the borewell handle was removed, and both the borewell and water tank were sealed to prevent further use.

SMC vice-president Nabin Madala said the suspected contamination appeared to have occurred during the night. “When the cook noticed a peculiar smell in the water, we were informed immediately. The teachers checked the water and reported the matter to the police. Following this, the borewell and tank were sealed. At present, students are collecting water from a nearby location,” he said.

Also Read: Class 7 student collapses, dies on way to school in Ganjam

Police said they are examining the circumstances surrounding the incident. The water sample test reports are awaited, officials added.