Khammam, September 5, 2026: Five people, including three children, reportedly fell ill after oleander (Ganneru) leaves were allegedly found in dal served at an Anganwadi centre in Kishtaram of Sathupalli mandal.
The incident at Anganwadi Centre-3, also known as Krishnakumari Anganwadi Centre, reportedly occurred three days ago and has raised concerns over food safety and supervision at the facility.
Children fall ill after eating dal
According to reports, oleander leaves were found in the lentil curry served to children at the centre. Two women, Swapna and Kumari, and children Riyans, Yashwanth and Tanmayi were reportedly taken ill after consuming the food.
They were initially taken to Sathupalli Government Hospital for treatment. The children were later shifted to the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Centre at the Government General Hospital in Khammam for further medical care.
The children had reportedly been receiving treatment in Khammam for three days.
Parents raise concerns over treatment
The children’s parents reportedly told the media that doctors had observed abnormalities in their ECG readings. They also alleged that they requested the children’s discharge so they could seek further treatment at a private hospital, but their request was not accepted.
The incident has prompted questions about how the poisonous oleander leaves entered food prepared and served at the Anganwadi centre.
Officials begin probe into food contamination
Parents have sought a detailed inquiry into the incident and action against those found responsible. They have also raised concerns about the safety and supervision standards followed while preparing meals for children at the centre.
Sathupalli Integrated Child Development Services Scheme (ICDS) Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) Sathyavathi said the matter was being investigated.
The circumstances in which the oleander leaves entered the dal and whether any lapses occurred in food preparation and supervision are expected to be examined as part of the probe.