More than 100 students were hospitalised in Bihar’s Saharsa district after falling ill following a midday meal, with rumours of a snake being found in the food triggering widespread panic.
The incident took place at Baluwaha Middle School, where a regular school day quickly turned into chaos.
Students had just finished their lunch, rice and dal, when some of them began complaining of stomach pain and vomiting. Within minutes, fear spread across classrooms.
As the situation worsened, rumours started circulating that a snake had been found in one of the plates, which further frightened the children.
RUMOURS SPREAD, FEAR TAKES OVER
As news of the alleged snake spread, panic gripped not just the school but also nearby areas. Parents rushed to the campus, worried about their children’s safety. Many immediately took their children to hospitals without waiting for official confirmation.
Mohammad Tanveer, a parent, said, “My child studies here. We heard a snake was found in the food. Many children complained of stomach pain. We got scared and brought him to the hospital.”
Another parent, Kanchan Devi, said, “After eating the school meal, many children had stomach ache. There were hundreds of students in school today, so everyone got worried.”
The fear was so intense that even some children from nearby schools, who were not affected, were taken to hospitals as a precaution.
OVER 100 CHILDREN ADMITTED, CONDITION STABLE
Most of the affected students were taken to Sadar Hospital Saharsa, while others were treated at nearby health centres. In total, around 115 children were admitted at one point.
District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar visited the hospital and assured that the situation was under control.
“All the children are stable. Some have mild fever, but nothing serious. They are under observation and will recover soon,” he said.
Doctors also confirmed that no signs of serious poisoning have been found so far.
INVESTIGATION UNDERWAY, SAMPLES SENT FOR TESTING
Officials have started an investigation to find out what exactly caused the illness. Food samples from the mid-day meal have been collected and sent for testing. An FSSAI team has also been asked to examine the case.
Authorities are also checking whether safety rules, like teachers tasting the food before serving, were properly followed.
For now, officials are urging people not to panic. While the rumour of a snake caused fear, the exact reason behind the children falling ill will only be clear after test reports come in.
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