Mayurbhanj: Following the death of a girl student at a government-run residential school in the Rasgobindpur area of Mayurbhanj district, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Wednesday called for a district-wide bandh on April 18.

Alleging negligence in the treatment of the student from an Ashram School at Kakabandha under Rasgobindpur tehsil, the party announced its decision to observe the 12-hour shutdown.

Additionally, the Opposition party leaders demanded ₹50 lakh compensation for the family of the deceased student and called for strict action against those responsible for the incident.

Raising serious concerns over the handling of the case, the party said merely conducting an inquiry by the Revenue Divisional Commissioner (RDC) would not be sufficient. It has demanded a judicial probe into the incident to ensure a fair and transparent investigation.

The student, identified as Rupali Besra, died on April 12 while undergoing treatment.

The incident occurred after more than 140 students residing in the school hostel reportedly fell ill on the morning of April 12 after consuming food that included ‘pakhala’ (fermented rice), leafy vegetable curry, mashed potatoes, and other items.

The affected students were initially rushed to a nearby Community Health Centre. As the condition of several students worsened, around 70 were shifted to the medical college in Baripada. Rupali Besra, who was admitted to the ICU, later succumbed during treatment.

Amid tension over the suspected food poisoning case, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced an ex-gratia of ₹3 lakh for the deceased’s family and ordered an inquiry by RDC, Central Division.

The school headmaster has been suspended following the incident.

On Wednesday, a medical team visited Rasgobindpur to conduct health check-ups of the students.