Mayurbhanj: Tension continued to prevail on the Moroda–Nalagaja route in Mayurbhanj district after locals staged a road blockade protesting the death of a girl student from an ashram school.

Vehicular movement remained completely paralysed for over 10 hours as angry villagers blocked the road by burning tyres.

The unrest erupted after a student of Kakabandha Ashram School under Rasgovindpur block reportedly died after consuming contaminated food. The incident sparked outrage among locals, who alleged negligence and demanded strict action against those responsible.

The school houses more than 220 students from Classes I to VIII. A large number of children reportedly fell ill within a short span after consuming the meal. The girl student, however, succumbed while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

As the situation escalated, police reached the spot and attempted to disperse the crowd. A lathi-charge was carried out to bring the situation under control. However, the agitating villagers retaliated by pelting stones at the police.

During the clash, the Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) of Rasgovindpur police station sustained injuries, sources said.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the student’s death. An investigation is underway to determine whether food contamination led to the tragedy.

The situation remains tense, with security personnel deployed in the area to prevent further escalation.