Rourkela, Oct 11: A 17-year-old juvenile offender, housed at a government-run 'Place of Safety' in Rourkela, was rushed to the Rourkela Government Hospital (RGH) in critical condition on Saturday after reportedly ingesting phenyl, a floor-cleaning chemical.

The offender, originally from Bolangir district, was found in severe distress early on Saturday morning after consuming the toxic substance. Authorities at the juvenile correction facility acted promptly, transferring the teenager to RGH, where his condition remains critical.

The exact reason behind the juvenile’s drastic decision is still unclear. Initial reports suggest the teenager may have ingested the phenyl following a heated argument with other inmates the night before.

The 'Place of Safety' in Rourkela, which operates under the Department of Women and Child Development, accommodates juveniles between the ages of 16 and 21 who are either accused or convicted of serious crimes. An investigation is currently underway to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

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