Dead rat found in mid-day meal served in Delhi govt school, nine hospitalised

Nine students from a Delhi government school were admitted to hospital after a dead rat was found in the mid-day meal served to them on Thursday.

Teachers from Government Boys Senior Secondary School, Deoli, said a dead rat was found in the mid-day meal after it was served to some students. Nine students were rushed to a nearby hospital.

“The food was being served to the students when someone found the dead rat. The situation in the government school is very bad despite the tall claims made by this government,” said a teacher, on condition of anonymity.

The dead rat was found in the mid-day meal after it was served to students.

Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia said the government is filing an FIR against the supplier and blacklisting it as well. “A rat was found in a Delhi government school. Nine students have been taken to hospital. Talked to students and doctor. All kids are fine,” he tweeted.

Sisodia also tweeted, “Doing an FIR against the mid-day meal supplier. We will blacklist him as well. Such irresponsibility in case of children will not be tolerated.”

Sisodia said that a rat was found in a utensil full of curry and then an announcement was made that no one should eat the food. “Meanwhile some students had eaten a bit and they were rushed to hospital. Our officers will remain in the hospital,” he said.

He said that on Friday, food will be prepared under the watch of government officials.

Dr R Chugh, medical superintendent of Madan Mohan Malviya hospital said, “Nine kids have come to the hospital with abdominal pain. They are stable and are being observed. They will be discharged in a while after symptomatic treatment.”

Directorate of Education (DOE) officials said the supply of mid-day meal in the school was being done by a private firm. “As the minister has already announced, the firm will be blacklisted. A show-cause notice has also been served,” officials said.