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Imran Khan in Bhubaneswar
Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday evening made it clear that there were no starvation deaths in Kashipur block in Raygada district of the state.
Bhubaneswar was abuzz the whole day with rumours that Patnaik, during his visit to Kashipur, his first since reports of starvation deaths first appeared in early August, had admitted to starvation deaths.
"There are no starvation deaths in Kashipur. Post-mortem reports have conclusively proved that the deaths were caused by food poisoning," Patnaik told reporters after his return from Kashipur.
Asked about TV reports of his admission to starvation deaths, Patnaik said these were all rumours. "I never said there were starvation deaths in Kashipur."
Patnaik said his government would intensify its 'food for work' programme is Kashipur block and simultaneously introduce other social security schemes.
Patnaik said health facilities should also improve in Kashipur in the coming days.
ALSO SEE: Hungry villagers hurl mango kernels at Patnaik
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