Tue Dec 10 13:24:25 UTC 2024: ## Eight-Year-Old Dies, 34 Ill After Suspected Food Poisoning at Chhattisgarh School
**Bijapur, Chhattisgarh:** A tragedy struck Mata Rukhmani residential school in Dhanora village, Bijapur district, Chhattisgarh, after an eight-year-old girl died and 34 other children fell ill from suspected food poisoning. The incident occurred after students consumed a meal at the government-aided school on Sunday, December 8th.
According to Bijapur Collector Sambit Mishra, students began experiencing nausea and vomiting Sunday night. Thirty-five children were subsequently hospitalized in Bijapur, all exhibiting symptoms of vomiting and dysentery. Two children were transferred to Jagdalpur for further treatment, one of whom, a Class 3 student identified as Shivani Telam, died during transport.
While the exact cause of the illness remains under investigation, District Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. B.R. Pujari suspects food poisoning, citing the widespread symptoms. Preliminary reports indicate that the children ate paneer for dinner, along with kheer and puri earlier in the day. The school houses approximately 88 students.
The condition of the remaining 34 ill children is reportedly stable. However, Shivani’s family has blamed the school superintendent and demanded action against those responsible for the incident. A full investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the outbreak and the circumstances surrounding the death.
First Piper 