Police investigations revealed the food poisoning was caused by leftover food from a local businessman’s Holi celebration. Despite initial symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, the school authorities delayed taking sick students to the hospital
Published Mar 16, 2025 | 5:57 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 16, 2025 | 5:57 PM
13-year-old dies of food poisoning in Mandya, 28 other students hospitalised (Representational photo)
Synopsis: A tragic food poisoning incident at Gokul Vidya Samsthe, Mandya, has led to the death of 13-year-old Kerlang and hospitalisation of 28 other students. The food poisoning stemmed from leftover food served after a Holi celebration. Despite early symptoms, the school failed to seek timely medical help. Kerlang died before being treated, while others are undergoing care at local hospitals
In a tragic incident, a 13-year-old boy has died, and 28 other students have been hospitalised after consuming contaminated food at Gokul Vidya Samsthe, a private residential school in T Kaagepura, Malavalli Taluk, Mandya district.
The victim, identified as Kerlang, was from Arunachal Pradesh. Police investigations revealed that the food poisoning incident stemmed from leftover food served after the Holi festival at a local businessman’s house.
Several students initially reported symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. However, the school authorities failed to promptly take the sick children to the hospital.
On Sunday morning, 16 March, Kerlang passed away due to a lack of timely medical attention. Following his death, the remaining students were rushed to Malavalli Taluk Government Hospital, where 28 students are currently receiving treatment.
Five of the students, whose conditions worsened, have been transferred to MIMS Hospital in Mandya.
Mohan, the District Health Officer, who visited the hospital, confirmed that the incident was a result of food poisoning.He added that a medical team had provided treatment to the children on Saturday evening before the fatality occurred.
“The death of the boy has come as a shock to us, and the cause will be confirmed once the post-mortem report is received,” said Mohan.
Authorities have seized the food items and are interrogating individuals involved in the incident.
“Food samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), and further action will be taken based on the results,” a senior police officer from Malavalli sub-division told South First.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety standards in school food preparation and the delayed response by school authorities in handling the health crisis.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Rashmi Patil)
