Mid Day Meal Poisoning: Protests erupt amid Death of 22 Children

Angry Mob was targeting Police and Administrative Establishments in Chhapra of Saran district in Bihar, after more than 20 Children fell victim  to the Mid Day Meal Poisoning, the exact reason for which is not known so far. About 27 People including the Woman Cook  have been reported serious and shifted to PMCH for treatment.

The Dead Bodies of 22 School Children aged 5 to 15 have been buried near the School Compound. A Deep Mourning, Rage and Anger can be felt all around. Among the mourners is a woman whose two sons died because of this.

According to the State Education Minister P K Shahi, the food had traces of phosphorous, which is used to preserve rice and wheat. He said that the incident was a case of ‘direct poisoning’ and not contamination.

Buses were set afire and public property damaged as people took to the streets in protest in Chhapra.

The matter has already taken political colors. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of those who have died.

“Is Rs 2 lakh the value of a human life for the CM? This has occured due to the callous attitude of the administration,” BJP spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain asked.

JDU Chief Sharad Yadav said, ” The government will do all in its capacity.. we are investigating whether there was something wrong in the material supplied’.

However Opposition is blaming Government for Negligence. “It took 15 hours to evacuate the children. This is criminal negligence and the state government is responsible for this,” said Rajiv Pratap Rudy of the BJP.

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