Narayanpet Horror… Over 30 Model School Girls Fall Ill After Eating Mouldy Peanut Chutney; Agency and Warden Terminated

NOB_Dhanwada, Narayanpet District: Panic gripped the Model School Girls Hostel in Dhanwada mandal headquarters on Saturday morning after more than 30 Intermediate girl students suffered severe food poisoning.

According to preliminary inquiry, the students were served bondas with peanut chutney made from fungus-infested, stale peanuts for breakfast. The hostel currently houses 103 Intermediate students, of whom 88 were present on Saturday.

Shortly after having breakfast and attending classes, the girls started complaining of severe stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. A few students reportedly collapsed inside the classroom, unable to bear the pain.

Special Officer Vaishali immediately alerted officials and shifted the affected students to Dhanwada Government Hospital via 108 ambulances. After first aid, 18 students were sent back to the hostel, while 12 others whose condition was serious were shifted to Narayanpet District Hospital for advanced treatment.

Doctors said all students are under continuous monitoring, their condition is stable and there is no threat to life.

Reacting swiftly, District Collector Priyanka ordered a comprehensive inquiry. RDO Ramesh, Tahsildar Sindhuja and Mandal Special Officer inspected the hostel and hospital.

Students told officials in tears that the chutney made with mouldy peanuts was the cause. Taking serious note of the gross negligence, RDO Ramesh issued orders terminating the cooking agency contractor Kaveri and Hostel Care Taker/Warden Anuradha with immediate effect.

Food samples from the hostel have been collected and sent to the lab for testing. Parents and student unions have demanded permanent measures to ensure quality food in government residential hostels.