Suspected food poisoning in Mandya: One still critical, others stable

Mysuru: The death of a 13-year-old student due to suspected food poisoning, while scores of others have fallen ill, in an educational institution, in Malavalli taluk, Mandya district, has sent shock waves among the people.

Another student, who is critical, is undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Mysuru. This has prompted an investigation by the Health department authorities and Mandya district administration.

The students fell ill after consuming food distributed by a local businessman. He had arranged a Holi celebration on Friday afternoon and the leftover vegetarian food was supplied to the Gokula Vidyasamsthe, at T Kagepura village, Malavalli taluk, on Friday evening.

The students who consumed the food fell ill on Saturday. They were initially treated at the primary health centre and later shifted to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences.

Speaking to DH, Deputy Commissioner Kumara said, around 40 students are in the hospital, out of which one student has been shifted to a private hospital in Mysuru for treatment, and his condition is said to be critical. Other students, who had complained of vomiting and diarrhoea are stable as of now. A team of doctors are monitoring their health.

The educational institution is a recognised day school. They have taken permission from the school, but they cannot run the hostel. A notice has been served to the institution and a report is sought from the BEO.

The food samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for testing and the report is awaited. The officials have been directed to check whether such educational institutions are illegally functioning in Mandya district.

Around 24 students hailing from North Eastern states are studying in the school, along with local students. They might be the children of the labourers who have migrated for work. There are a few orphans also. The parents of other students have been informed about their wards. A probe is being conducted in this regard, the DC said.

The Police arrested three persons - Siddaraju, Lankesh, and Abhishek, in connection with the incident on Sunday. Cases have also been registered against six people, including the owner of the hotel, who prepared food, the businessman, the secretary of the educational institution, and others.