More than 100 students at a government school in Bihar’s Supaul district fell ill after eating the mid-day meal, with some alleging a dead scorpion was found in the curry. Officials have ordered an investigation as doctors said the children were treated and are out of danger.
More than 100 students of a government school in Bihar’s Supaul district fell ill on Wednesday after consuming a mid-day meal, with students alleging that a dead scorpion was found in the potato-chickpea curry served to them.
The incident took place at Middle School Mirjawa in Ward 10 under Triveniganj police station area. Following complaints of illness among students, panic spread on the school campus, and the affected children were rushed to the Triveniganj Sub-Divisional Hospital in small vehicles and other available transport.
Doctors said all the students were receiving treatment and their condition was currently stable and out of danger.
STUDENTS REPORT SYMPTOMS AFTER EATING MEAL
According to students, rice and potato-chickpea curry were served as part of the mid-day meal on Wednesday. They alleged that a dead scorpion was found in the curry while they were eating, though many students had already consumed the food by then.
Soon after the meal, several children complained of throat irritation, stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness and uneasiness. Some students reportedly became weak, while others showed symptoms including vomiting and fainting.
School authorities and teachers immediately arranged medical assistance and shifted the affected students to the hospital.
PROBE ORDERED INTO ALLEGED CONTAMINATION
Mid-Day Meal Programme District Project Manager (DPM) Pankaj Kumar Singh said officials received information from the District Education Officer and were looking into the matter.
“After consuming the mid-day meal, some children complained of stomach pain and vomiting. Some students have claimed that a scorpion was found in the food. The matter is being investigated, and strict action will be taken if any negligence is found,” Singh said.