Panic broke out at an upgraded middle school in Bihar’s Madhepura district on Saturday after more than 70 children fell ill shortly after consuming the mid-day meal. The incident occurred at the Upgraded Middle School in Karu Tola, Sahugarh, under the Madhepura Sadar block.

According to officials, students complained of vomiting, stomach pain and anxiety soon after eating, prompting teachers to rush them for medical help. The children were taken to Madhepura Sadar Hospital using ambulances and private vehicles. Doctors confirmed that most of the students are out of danger, though one girl remains in critical condition and is under close observation.

Preliminary findings point to possible food contamination, with suspicion that a lizard may have fallen into the meal supplied by an NGO under the government’s mid-day meal scheme. District Education Officer Sanjay Kumar visited the hospital and said a detailed investigation has been initiated, assuring strict action against those responsible.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns over food safety, hygiene and monitoring under the mid-day meal programme in government schools.