Ballari: Lizard in midday meal, 95 students fall ill

Ninety-five students fell ill after consuming midday meal, in which a lizard was found, at Gaddikeri Government High School on Wednesday afternoon.

The students, who have fallen ill, have been admitted to government hospital in the town. The lizard was found in the plate of Nandipur Shashidhar, a Class 10 student. Panicked, he immediately brought it to the notice of his classmates and teachers. But by then, 95 students had eaten the food. Later, they complained of stomach ache and vomiting. They were immediately admitted to the hospital.

Taluk medical officer Dr Sulochana visited the school and examined the food. Taluk Panchayat executive officer B Mallanaika said, “The students are out of danger. Treatment has been given to all the students.”

Hundreds of parents gathered in front of the hospital as the news spread. Circle Inspector Ramappa Savalagi, Sub Inspector P Sarala, Zilla Panchayat member S Gurusiddappa, Gram Panchayat president H Doddabasappa and Bannikallu Gram Panchayat president K Prahlad enquired about the students’ health.