As many as 31 students were hospitalised after falling ill following a school lunch at Shri Ambru Naik Secondary Ashram School in Nagarala village of Maharashtra’s Chandrapur district on Tuesday.
The students reportedly developed nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and dizziness shortly after eating the meal served at around 2.30 pm.
Students rushed to hospital after falling ill
According to officials, the students were initially taken to the Primary Health Centre in Jiwati for treatment. However, due to limited medical facilities, they were referred to another hospital.
The affected students were subsequently admitted to the Sub-District Rural Hospital in Rajura, where doctors are monitoring their condition.
Medical officials said all 31 students are currently stable and receiving treatment.
Questions raised over school food safety
The incident has triggered concern among parents and residents after allegations emerged that a lizard may have fallen into the food while it was being prepared.
The reptile was reportedly not noticed by the staff before the meal was served. However, officials have stressed that the allegation is yet to be established.
The incident has raised questions about food preparation, hygiene and the monitoring of meals served to students at the Ashram school.
Parents and villagers have demanded an impartial inquiry and strict action if negligence is established.
Education Department and police begin probe
The Education Department and police are investigating the incident. Officials said the inquiry will determine whether the food was served despite the alleged contamination and establish who, if anyone, was responsible for negligence.
The incident has also renewed concerns about the safety and quality of meals provided to children in schools.
A similar incident was reported in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore district on August 22, when more than 30 children reportedly fell ill after consuming a mid-day meal at a government school.
With children depending on school meals for an important part of their daily nutrition, the Maharashtra incident underlines the need for strict hygiene standards, careful supervision and prompt action whenever food-safety concerns arise.