A 13-year-old boy died and 28 other students were hospitalised after a suspected case of food poisoning at an unauthorised hostel run by a private school in Karnataka's Mandya district. The incident took place at Gokula Vidya Samsthe in T Kagepura village, Malavalli taluk. The students fell ill reportedly after consuming food prepared for Holi celebrations, officials said on Sunday.
The deceased, identified as Kerlong (13), was from Meghalaya. Seven of the hospitalised students remain in critical condition, with one on a ventilator. Authorities stated that the school, operating since 1989, lacked a valid license to run a hostel. Despite this, it was illegally housing around 30 students, mostly from Meghalaya, on the first floor of the school building without basic infrastructure, including proper toilets.
Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi stated that the school had a practice of providing hostel students with leftover food from weddings, celebrations or events. On March 14, a group in Malavalli organised a feast for Holi, serving vegetable pulao and chutney. The leftover food was later distributed to 30 hostel students.
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Initially, none of the students reported illness. However, on March 15, six students complained of stomach pain and were hospitalised. The situation worsened on March 17 when Kerlong collapsed and was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Police registered a case under Sections 286 (Negligent conduct concerning a poisonous substance) and 106 (Causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Three individuals—the cook, the hostel warden and the school owner—have been arrested for negligence and distributing food without quality checks.
Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr Kumar confirmed that health officials had visited the school on March 15 after receiving reports of food poisoning. He assured that all affected students were receiving treatment, with eight already shifted to Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS) for specialised care.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed grief over the incident on social media, calling it heartbreaking. He directed the Mandya Deputy Commissioner to ensure proper treatment for the affected students and take strict action against those responsible. He also assured financial compensation for the deceased student's family.
“Schools must be extra cautious about food quality, especially for young children. Lives should not be lost due to negligence,” Siddaramaiah stated.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the school’s facilities and its lack of permissions, with further legal action expected.
(With PTI Inputs)