PIRO (Bihar), July 10 — Over 48 children from Khannikalan Madhya Vidyalaya in Bihar’s Piro block fell ill on Thursday after consuming a mid-day meal allegedly contaminated by a dead lizard. The students were rushed to the Community Health Center in Piro, where they are undergoing treatment.
According to school officials, the incident unfolded shortly after lunch when a young girl began foaming at the mouth. “Within minutes, several children complained of vomiting and diarrhea. Their condition began deteriorating rapidly,” said Gupteshwar Ram, the school’s headmaster.
The mid-day meal, comprising rice and dal tadka, was provided by Suprabhat Social Welfare Societies, an NGO contracted to manage the school’s nutrition program. It was only after the children began falling sick that staff discovered a dead lizard had been cooked along with the rice.
Villagers, alarmed by the children’s condition, rushed to the school to help. Block Education Officer (BEO) Manoj Singh arrived at the scene shortly after being informed. “We immediately called for ambulances. I personally took some children to the health center in my own vehicle,” Singh said.
The incident has sparked concern among parents and community members, who have demanded strict action against those responsible. Authorities have launched an inquiry into the role of the NGO and the lapses in food safety that led to the contamination.
As of Thursday evening, all children were reported to be in stable condition. Health officials are monitoring their recovery, while education authorities have temporarily suspended mid-day meal services at the school pending further investigation.
