Meghalaya Boy Dies After Consuming Contaminated Food In Karnataka Hostel

BENGALURU: A 13-year-old boy from Meghalaya died in a tragic incident while 29 other students from an unauthorized hostel in Karnataka's Mandya district were hospitalized in critical condition after consuming contaminated food.

The deceased, identified as Sunday Kerlang from Lyndem village under the Pynursla Civil Subdivision, was a Class VI student. According to reports, the students consumed leftover food prepared for Holi celebrations, which led to severe vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration.

The shocking incident occurred at the residential school run by the Gokul Educational Institution in T Kagepura village, which has been operating without a license since 1989. The school was illegally housing students on the first floor of the building without proper hostel facilities, including toilets.

Out of the school's 202 students, 30, mostly from Meghalaya and some from Nepal, were staying in the unauthorized hostel.

Reports claimed that the hostel followed a questionable practice of providing students with leftover food collected from nearby celebrations, events, or weddings. Vegetable pulao and chutney were served during a feast held in Malavalli for Holi celebrations on Friday, and the leftover food was later distributed to the hostel students.

All 30 students turned unwell the next day and were taken to the hospital right away. Unfortunately, on Sunday, Kerlang collapsed and was taken to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, where he was declared dead. Seven other students remain in critical condition, with one on ventilation.

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