12 girls fall ill after consuming midday meal in Tripura

Agartala: As many as 12 girls of Classes VI-VIII of Mirzapur HS School at Belonia in South Tripura fell ill on Thursday after consuming midday meal. All of them were admitted to Belonia Sub-divisional Hospital.
“The students complained of stomach ache around 1.30pm. We have administered all required medicines and necessary tests have been conducted.All of them are now out of danger,” said Dr N Baidya. He said the students might have fallen ill because of food poisoning.
District education inspector S M Das said egg curry was the scheduled menu for the day in the school.
The meal was served to about 83 students after it was formally tested by two women teachers.
“The 12 girls complained of stomach ache and started vomiting after having the meal. Immediately they were taken to the hospital. I have personally inspected the kitchen and tested the food. I have also interacted with other boys and girls who were served the meal. The matter has been reported to police and food samples would be sent to the laboratory,” Das said.
He added, “I was informed by other students that the ailing girls had raw mangoes with chili powder and salt before the meal. This might also be led to their illness. We have to wait for the reports.”
Education minister Tapan Chakraborty said the department has sought a report from the district administration. “We have also asked the school authorities to interact with the parents and the government will take all responsibilities for the students’ treatment,” Chakraborty added.
District education inspector S M Das said egg curry was the scheduled menu for the day in the school. The meal was served to about 83 students after it was formally tested by two women teachers