Three orphans in Andhra Pradesh die after eating adulterated food, CM orders probe

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Monday ordered a high-level inquiry into the deaths of three children at an orphanage in Anakapalli district and released an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to their next of kin or guardians.

Three children who ate adulterated food two days ago died of health complications in the early hours of Monday and the other affected children are currently undergoing treatment in hospital.

Although the initial official statement stated that four children died due to food poisoning at the Kailasapattanam village orphanage in Kotauratra mandal, the latest statement revised the death toll to three.

“Naidu ordered a high-level inquiry into the death of three children due to consumption of adulterated food. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each to the next of kin or guardians of the victims,” ​​the release said, adding that there are also Some children are receiving treatment.

The Prime Minister expressed deep condolences over the incident and sought more details from Human Resource Development Minister Nala Lokesh and directed him to ensure better treatment for the affected children.

Lokesh said the three deceased children were identified as Joshua, Bhavani and Shraddha.

He spoke to Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav and Anakapalli and Alluri Sitarama Raju district collectors about the incident.

“I have directed officials to provide better treatment to the 17 students who are undergoing treatment at Anacapalli District Hospital. The government will support the family of the deceased child,” he said in a post on “X”.

The Prime Minister directed officials to take strict action against those responsible for the incident.

(This report has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from United News Agency-PTI)