Published Oct 08, 2026 | 2:42 PM ⚊ Updated Oct 08, 2026 | 2:42 PM
School children. (iStock)
A complaint has been raised after human faeces was allegedly found in the drinking water tank of a government school at Manur near Palani in Dindigul district.
According to officials, when the school reopened on Monday, 4 October, the water tank was opened and faeces was found inside. The tank was therefore not used for providing drinking water to students, officials said.
Students are currently being provided drinking water through a pipeline from another source, officials added.
The issue reportedly came to light during a parent-teacher meeting held on Wednesday, 7 October, following which local residents and parents gathered outside the school and staged a protest.
Parents and residents had also alleged that the school authorities failed to inform higher officials and parents about the incident immediately.
Meanwhile, police said a case has been registered under three sections and an investigation is underway. Authorities are also conducting an inquiry into the incident.
Also Read: Foul smell sparks suspicion of miscreants mixing excreta in Tamil Nadu school water tank
PMK’s Anbumani Ramadoss condemning the incident wrote on his Facebook, “Such a disgusting and inhuman act deserves strong condemnation. The incident came to light on Monday, when the school reopened after the quarterly vacation and school staff were making preparations to cook the midday meal. The school administration immediately cleaned the water tank.”
“It is reassuring that Education Department officials had breakfast with the students this morning, thereby seeking to allay the fears and concerns of parents about possible health risks to children who may have consumed food prepared using water from the contaminated tank.
Demanding an inquiry, he demanded arrest of those responsible, “At the same time, an inquiry must be conducted into why the incident was kept from the public and whether there was any conspiracy behind it. Those responsible for the act must be identified and arrested.”
“The absence of a compound wall and adequate security around the Manur Government Primary School may have enabled anti-social elements to enter the premises at night and commit such an act. To prevent such incidents, compound walls must be constructed around all government schools across Tamil Nadu, including the Manur school. The drinking water tank at the Manur Government Primary School must also be replaced.”
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
