Daijiworld Media Network - Patna

Patna, Sep 12: Around 12 students fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal at Upgraded Middle School, Vasudeva, in Bihar’s Saharsa district on Saturday, prompting an inquiry by the health and education authorities.

The affected students were taken to the Bariyahi Primary Health Centre, where they are undergoing treatment under medical supervision.

According to an Education Department official, the mid-day meal at the school was supplied by an NGO. Some students reportedly complained of health problems after consuming the food.

Following the incident, a large number of villagers and parents reached the school to inquire about the condition of the students. School authorities and local residents subsequently took the affected children to the health centre for medical attention.

Meanwhile, an allegation emerged that a chameleon was found in the mid-day meal. However, there is no official confirmation so far that a chameleon was present in the food.

Officials are investigating whether the meal was contaminated or whether another issue related to the food caused the students to fall ill.

The Education Department has collected samples of the mid-day meal and sent them to a laboratory for testing.

The official said the allegation regarding the chameleon would be established only after the food samples and other evidence are examined.

Following the incident, the Health Department deployed a team to monitor the situation. The affected students are receiving treatment, while the health of other students at the school is also being monitored.

The administration and concerned departments are investigating the incident. Officials said the exact cause of the students’ illness would be known after the investigation and testing process are completed.