Odisha school girls fall ill; parents seek rituals over medical aid

Six girl students fell ill during a flag-hoisting ceremony at Padianali UGUP School in Odisha’s Deogarh district. Some of them collapsed and displayed unusual behaviour moments after the national flag was hoisted. Instead of taking them to a hospital, parents suspected a supernatural cause and performed rituals at the Mahamaya premises.

The Deogarh District Education Officer intervened after being informed. Three students were rescued and admitted to Barkote Community Health Centre, while the condition of the others improved. Times Now reported that on August 13, a similar incident was reported at Naikula Government Tribal High School in the same district, where four girl students fell ill after their midday meal and were taken to Deogarh District Headquarters Hospital.

The exact cause of both incidents remains unknown. Authorities are expected to determine the medical reasons and ensure student safety. No clear response has come from school authorities so far.