Daijiworld Media Network - Madhepura

Madhepura, Feb 8: Panic gripped an upgraded middle school at Karu Tola in Sahugarh under Madhepura Sadar block of Bihar after more than 70 schoolchildren fell ill on Saturday after consuming the mid-day meal.

According to initial reports, the students began falling sick one after another shortly after eating the meal. They complained of vomiting, stomach pain, dizziness, restlessness and nervousness, leading to chaos on the school premises.

As news of the incident spread, worried parents rushed to the school. All the affected children were immediately shifted to Madhepura Sadar Hospital using ambulances and private vehicles.

Doctors at the hospital said that most of the children are stable and out of danger. However, one girl is reported to be in a serious condition and is under close medical observation.

Angry parents staged a protest outside the hospital, demanding a thorough investigation into the incident. Preliminary information suggests that a lizard may have fallen into the food, which was allegedly supplied through an NGO associated with the mid-day meal scheme. Officials, however, have not yet confirmed the exact cause, and food samples are expected to be examined as part of the probe.

District Education Officer Sanjay Kumar reached the Sadar Hospital after receiving information about the incident and reviewed the situation. He said that a detailed investigation has been initiated.

“If negligence or any irregularity is found at any level, strict action will be taken against the concerned NGO and those responsible,” the DEO said.

The incident has triggered widespread anger among parents, who accused the authorities of poor monitoring and negligence. Serious questions have been raised over quality control, hygiene standards and oversight mechanisms of the mid-day meal programme.

The district administration has assured that no lapse will be overlooked and that corrective measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.