57 students take ill in hostel

Sources informed that the students had assembled for prayer after having their breakfast. As they stood in rows for prayer some students complained of chest congestion, head ache etc while some fainted and fell.

The sick students were taken to hospital and during examination it was learnt that though the students were physically fit, they seemed to have been influenced by some sort of mass hysteria. There are over 217 students living in the residential school, of which as many as 100 are facing similar health problems. It is said that the hostel started providing boiled water to students only three days ago when it was confirmed that the drinking water supplied to the hostel is contaminated and is unfit for drinking. Though a water purifier has been provided to the hostel, it has not been put to use.

On Wednesday morning, the students consumed ‘uppittu’, ingredients of which were said to have been spoilt. Students have complained of having seen small worms in the preparation.
Taluk Panchayat Member B S Sathish, S S Sanjay, Block Congress President A S Nagesh, Congress Leaders H G Venkatesh, Tahshildar Umeshchandra among others visited the hostel as well as the ailing students.

However, doctor treating the students has confirmed that the students are out of danger and will be fine within couple of days.