A major health scare unfolded in Bihar’s Saharsa district after more than 150 schoolchildren reportedly fell ill following the consumption of a mid-day meal served at a government school in Baluaha village. The incident triggered panic among parents and local residents, while district authorities launched an urgent investigation into the suspected food contamination case.

According to officials, the incident occurred at a middle school in the Mahishi block area, where students began complaining of stomach pain, vomiting, dizziness, and nausea shortly after consuming the afternoon meal. Teachers and school authorities immediately alerted local health officials and emergency services as the number of affected children rapidly increased.

Several ambulances, along with police vehicles and local transport arrangements, were used to shift the students to nearby healthcare facilities. Authorities confirmed that a large number of children were admitted to the Saharsa Sadar Hospital, while many others received treatment at the Mahishi Public Health Centre.

District administration officials stated that most of the children are currently stable and under medical observation. Doctors treating the students said the symptoms appeared consistent with food contamination or food poisoning, although the exact cause will only be confirmed after laboratory examination of the food samples collected from the school premises.

The incident sparked widespread concern after family members and villagers alleged that a snake or parts of a snake may have been found in the food container used to store cooked pulses. Some reports claimed that a baby snake was noticed during meal distribution, by which time many children had already consumed the food. Authorities, however, have not officially confirmed these claims and stated that investigations are underway. 

Officials revealed that out of the hundreds of students present at the school, a significant number had already eaten the meal before concerns about the food quality emerged. Parents rushed to hospitals and health centres after learning about the incident, creating tense scenes outside medical facilities as anxious families sought updates on the children’s condition.

The district administration assured residents that the situation is under control and appealed against panic. Senior officials said medical teams were deployed immediately and that all affected students are being closely monitored. Health experts indicated that many children showed signs of recovery after receiving timely treatment, including intravenous fluids and medication for vomiting and fever.

Food samples from the school kitchen and storage containers have reportedly been sent for forensic and laboratory testing. Authorities are also examining hygiene standards, food preparation practices, and the supply chain linked to the school’s mid-day meal programme. Administrative officials stated that strict action would be taken if negligence or contamination is confirmed.

The incident has once again raised serious questions about the safety and monitoring mechanisms of the mid-day meal scheme implemented across schools in several Indian states. Child safety activists and local residents have demanded stricter food inspection protocols, regular hygiene audits, and accountability for agencies responsible for preparing and distributing meals to students.

The mid-day meal programme is one of India’s largest school nutrition initiatives aimed at improving attendance and combating malnutrition among children from economically weaker backgrounds. However, incidents involving suspected contamination continue to expose concerns regarding quality control and supervision in certain regions.

Authorities are expected to release further details after medical reports and laboratory test results become available.