24 students hospitalised after consuming mid-day meal in Belagavi school

Twenty-four students of Government Higher Primary School at Markandeya Nagar in Belagavi, Karnataka fell sick after consuming the mid-day meal at their school on July 23.

While several of them were treated at nearby private hospitals, a few were shifted to the district hospital after they complained of severe uneasiness.

According to teachers, a few students complained of vomiting sensation and diarrhoea after the mid-day meal on July 23. They were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital. After several students complained of stomach ache, ambulances were called to shift them to a hospital.

Deputy Director of Public Instruction (DDPI) Leelavathi Hiremath and district Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Ishwar Gadadi rushed to the hospital to oversee their treatment.

Ms. Hiremath said all the children were out of danger.

Preliminary investigation suggested the likelihood of a lizard falling into the food during preparation. The food was prepared by a Stree Shakti self-help group.

Education Officer of PM Poshan Shakti Nirman Yojna Laxmanrao Yakkundi has said that a thorough inquiry would be initiated, and the guilty would be punished.