20 Critical After Playing Holi With Toxic Chemical Colours In Odisha’s Balangir, All Hospitalised

Balangir: At least 20 people were stated to be critical after playing Holi with hazardous colour mixed with chemicals in Kantabanji area of Odisha’s Balangir district.

As per information, some residents of Ashok Nagar and Anand Nagar localities under the jurisdiction of Kantabanji police station smeared the victims with colours, which were reportedly laced with toxic chemical substances, during Holi revelry on Tuesday.

As the colour was suspected to have been laced with hazardous chemicals, several people complained of severe skin infection. Under the effect of the toxic colour, swelling reportedly developed on the bodies of around 20 people after several hours. Their condition gradually turned critical.

All the critical persons were first taken to Kantabanji hospital on Tuesday night. They were later referred to Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital at Balangir as their condition deteriorated.

However, no complaint has been registered at Kantabanji police station in connection with the incident so far.

Locals are demanding a thorough probe into the incident to identify those who applied hazardous chemical colours during Holi celebrations in the area.