​​​​​​​Koraput, Oct 28: Former minister and ex-BJD MLA Padmini Dian has been hospitalized following a case of suspected food poisoning that left four members of her family critically ill. One of them, Padmini’s sister-in-law Parbati Majhi (28), has died while undergoing treatment at the District Headquarters Hospital in Jeypore.

According to sources, Padmini had lunch on Tuesday afternoon at her residence in Kotpad along with her mother-in-law Rambati Dian (57), sister-in-law Parbati Majhi, and relative Shanti Chalan (30). Shortly after the meal-around 2 p.m.-all four reportedly began vomiting severely and fell seriously ill.

They were initially admitted to the Kotpad Community Health Centre, but as their condition worsened despite medical intervention, doctors advised shifting them to Saheed Laxman Nayak Medical College and Hospital in Koraput. On the way, their condition deteriorated, forcing doctors to admit them to Jeypore District Headquarters Hospital, where Parbati Majhi succumbed during treatment.

Later, the remaining three-Padmini Dian, Rambati Dian, and Shanti Chalan-were referred to Koraput Medical College for advanced care. Hospital sources said Rambati Dian remains critical and is on oxygen support, while Padmini and Shanti are reported to be stable and improving.

Preliminary reports suggest that the food poisoning may have been caused by a dish prepared with dried bamboo shoots (locally known as kuade ambil), which the family had consumed with rice during lunch. Authorities are expected to investigate the exact cause of contamination.