West Bengal: Snake found in mid-day meal at primary school; 24 children fall ill

The incident was reported at a primary school in Mondolpur when parents of some children alleged that at least 30 students started vomiting after eating the dal

Barely a week after the West Bengal school education department said in an order that students will be served chicken, eggs, and seasonal fruits in mid-day meals, around 24 school children in the state’s Birbhum district fell ill on Monday after consuming lentils which allegedly had a snake in it, officials said.

For representational purposes only. (File Photo)

“A snake-like creature was found in the mid-day meal served in a school. No children had any serious complications though. The police rushed to the spot where local block officials were also present,” said a district IPS officer.

The incident was reported at a primary school in Mondolpur when parents of some children alleged that at least 30 students started vomiting after eating the dal.

“The children fell ill and started vomiting. A snake had fallen into the dal while it was being cooked, and no one noticed. The teachers spotted it when the second round was being served,” Rina Das, a parent, told local media persons.

A team from the health department were rushed to the school to assess the health of the students. Around 24 of them were later admitted to the Rampurhat Medical College and Hospital.

“Some of them who complained of vomiting were brought to the Rampurhat hospital. All were stable, treated and sent back home. They are all doing fine now,” said a senior district official.