More than 40 students enrolled at a residential school in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district fell ill on Thursday after contracting suspected food poisoning, shortly after they consumed Khichdi for breakfast at their hostel, officials said.

Following the mishap, a wave of panic ripped among staff and parents, and an immediate medical response was sought. Meanwhile, the district administration has also ordered a probe into the quality of the food served at the institute.

Student experience vomiting after eating Khichdi

According to sources, the affected students fall in the age range of 12-16 years, and are residents of Primitive Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) Boys Gurukul Hostel. As per officials, the students were served khichdi and tamarind chutney for breakfast on Thursday morning.

Soon after consuming the edibles, several students began vomiting during the morning school assembly, while others complained of severe stomach-ache. As more students began experiencing several symptoms, the authorities at the institute alerted health officials and arranged emergency medical assistance.

Students rushed to hospitals, condition said to be stable

The affected students were then rushed to the Mannanur Primary Health Centre, where they were given first aid. Those who required further observation were later shifted to the Area Government Hospital in Achampet via an ambulance.

Hospital authorities told the media that as many as 27 students studying in Class VII to X had been admitted to the facility, with complaints of vomiting and abdominal pain. On the other hand, 10-15 students underwent treatment at the Mannanur Primary Health Centre, taking the total tally of the affected students to 40.

Dr S Srinivasa Rao, the Medical Superintendent of the Area Government Hospital, said the students had primarily presented with vomiting and abdominal discomfort. Dr Mahesh, another physician attending the students, reassured parents that all the admitted students were responding well to treatment.

He said, “We are providing the best possible medical care. Their health is steadily improving, and there is no danger to any of the students.”

Food samples sent for lab testing

Health Supervisor Husenamma said that students started falling ill one after another soon after breakfast. She added that the hostel had been reeling under the shortage of drinking water, although the exact reason behind the illness is yet to be ascertained.

Following the incident, medical officials collected samples of the food served at the hostel and sent them for lab analysis to determine whether contaminated food served to the students contributed to food poisoning.

The District Medical and Health Officer also directed the food safety inspectors to carry out an in-depth probe.

Public representatives raise demands for inquiry

Nagarkurnool MP Mallu Ravi and Achampet MAL Dr Vamshi Krishna, who are currently in New Delhi, released a video statement, saying they had spoken to the district collector and have demanded a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

They pointed out that similar food poisoning cases had been reported in the mandal (division) last year and warned that strict action shall be taken if any negligence by caretakers, teachers or the school principal comes to the fore.