Bihar Mid-Day Meal Death Toll rises to 23

The death toll in Mid-Day Meal tragedy in Bihar’s Chhapra, has gone up to 23 with the demise of another kid last night. At least two kids are still in the ICU, while many other remain critical. They are being treated in Patna and Chhapra. The Bihar Mid-Day Meal issue has rocked the nation.

The death of school children after taking mid-day meal, has triggered a major political row with Bihar Education Minister PK Shahi putting the blame on Lalu Yadav’s RJD, as husband of the Principal of the School is a RJD activist. The RJD, BJP and others have questioned the statement, saying how the Minister reached the conclusion when the probe is not completed yet.

Situation is very tense in Dandaman village in Saran district, where the deaths took place. Chhapra and Saran are on the boil after people took the streets, protesting against Nitish Kumar Government and his administration. The CM has not yet come out in public or issued any statement, citing illness.

It is suspected that the deaths occurred due to organo phosphorous poisoning caused by traces of insecticides. Another media report suggested that the vegetable was cooked in an insecticide container, leading to the tragedy. Earlier, yesterday, a lizard was found in the mid-day meal at a school in Madhubani. At least 15 students were taken ill after consuming the food. Some of them are still being treated in the hospital.