Patna/Supaul: More than 100 students from a government middle school in Bihar’s Supaul district were taken to hospital on Wednesday after falling ill shortly after eating the Mid-Day Meal, prompting an official investigation into allegations that a dead scorpion was found in the food.
According to district officials, the incident occurred at the Middle School in Mirjawa (Ward 10) under the Triveniganj police station area. Health officials said all affected children received medical treatment and are now in stable condition.
Students Reported Feeling Unwell After Lunch
According to students and local officials, the school served rice and potato-chickpea curry as part of the Mid-Day Meal on Wednesday.
Several students alleged that a dead scorpion was discovered in the curry while the meal was being eaten. By that time, many children had already consumed the food.
Soon afterwards, students began complaining of stomach pain, throat irritation, vomiting, dizziness and uneasiness, officials said. Some children reportedly lost consciousness before they were rushed to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Triveniganj in private vehicles and ambulances.
The allegation that a scorpion was present in the food has not been independently verified, and officials said the matter is under investigation.
Hospital Faced Rush of Patients
The arrival of more than 100 children, accompanied by anxious parents, placed pressure on the Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors had to make additional arrangements after beds became scarce.
Dr B.N. Paswan said the children were admitted with complaints including stomach pain, headaches, vomiting and general discomfort after consuming the school meal.
“All the children were provided first aid and treatment. Their condition is stable and they are out of danger,” Paswan said.
Parents Raise Questions Over Food Safety
Several parents alleged that contaminated food was served despite the suspected presence of the scorpion. They also expressed concern that they were not informed immediately after the children became ill, saying the delay caused unnecessary anxiety.
Officials have not commented on these allegations, but said all aspects of the incident would be examined during the inquiry.
Education Department Launches Investigation
Pankaj Kumar Singh, District Programme Manager for the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, said the department initiated an inquiry after receiving information from the District Education Officer (DEO).
According to Singh, preliminary reports indicated that some children developed stomach pain and vomiting after eating the meal, while several students claimed that a scorpion had been found in the food.
He said a detailed investigation is underway and that appropriate action would be taken if negligence is established.
Officials Visit Hospital
Block Education Officer and Block Panchayat Raj Officer Manish Kumar said the school has around 600 enrolled students, with an average daily attendance of 300 to 350.
According to Kumar, about 100 children became ill after the meal and were immediately taken to hospital. He confirmed that all of them are now in stable condition.
He also said the school’s Headmaster, Sanjeev Kumar Verma, was absent on the day of the incident and that Ashok Paswan was acting as the teacher in charge.
Senior district officials, including Sub-Divisional Magistrate Abhishek Kumar, SDPO Vibhash Kumar, Station House Officer Rakesh Kumar and Block Development Officer Parmanand Prasad, visited the hospital to review the treatment of the children.
Officials said the findings of the inquiry would determine whether disciplinary or legal action is required against those responsible.
