Around 35 children fell ill on Tuesday after consuming kheer served as part of the mid-day meal at Government Primary School Badi in Kullu district, with doctors initially suspecting food poisoning.
The children began vomiting shortly after eating the kheer during school hours. Most of them were rushed to Community Health Centre (CHC) Patlikuhal for treatment, where a medical team continues to monitor their condition. The affected children belong to nearby villages including Jandi, Badi, Bashkola, Rankhadoo, and Bajgadi.
According to parents, the children appeared fine at school but their condition deteriorated rapidly after they returned home following the evening dismissal at around 4 PM. Some children collapsed outside the school premises before they could reach home.
On receiving information about the incident, Panchayat President Kamlkant and Vice President Lalit rushed to the spot and helped transport the children to hospital. Family members of the affected students — including Ramchand, Mukesh Kumar, Ishant, Devraj, Hira Lal, Meher Chand, and Sunil — have expressed serious concern over the incident and demanded a thorough investigation.
Dr. Mohit Sharma, who is treating the children at CHC Patlikuhal, stated that the case prima facie appears to be one of food poisoning, though doctors have also not ruled out contaminated water as a possible cause. The actual reason will be determined only after a formal investigation.
Block Medical Officer (BMO) Nalne confirmed that treatment is ongoing and the children’s condition is being closely monitored. Manali MLA Bhuvaneshwar Gaur also visited the hospital to enquire about the children’s wellbeing and spoke with doctors about their health status.
