Bijapur: In Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district, a student studying in class three tragically died, and 35 others fell ill after consuming paneer curry and puri at a government-run school and hostel. Among the sick children, 12 are reported to be critically ill and receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. The deceased student has been identified as Shalini Telam.
The situation has prompted serious political responses, with the Congress party forming a seven-member committee to investigate the incident. The district administration has established its own five-member committee as well.
Reports indicate that the health issues arose two days ago when the children at Mata Rukmani Ashram in Dhanora began showing symptoms, including vomiting and diarrhoea, leading to their admission to the district hospital. Unfortunately, one child succumbed to her condition during treatment.
In the wake of this food poisoning case, political tensions have escalated, with Congress accusing the ruling BJP government of neglecting the health and education systems in the tribal-dominated, Naxal-affected district. Families of the affected children have alleged negligence in quality control and monitoring of food safety at the school, questioning the sourcing and safety of the paneer served.
Local Congress president Deepak Baij announced the inquiry committee, with local MLA Vikram Mandavi appointed as convenor, and members including Zila Panchayat President Shankar Kudiyam, Neena Rawatiya, Lalu Rathore, Bodhi Tati, Sonu Potam, and Ramesh Yalam. According to Baij, the committee will investigate the matter and submit its findings to the Pradesh Congress Committee.
In response to the escalating crisis, the local administration has also formed an inquiry committee comprising CMHO Bijapur, SDM Jageshwar Kaushal, Dr. BR Pujari, AC Anand Singh, DEO Lakhan Lal Dhanelia, and a Food Officer. This committee will submit its report to the district collector.
