Shillong: A tragic incident has unfolded in Karnataka’s Mandya district, where a 13-year-old boy from Meghalaya lost his life and 28 other children were hospitalized after consuming contaminated food at an unauthorized hostel. Sunday Kerlang, a Class VI student hailing from Lyndem village in Pynursla Civil Subdivision, collapsed on March 16 and was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The young student was among 30 children who had consumed leftover food from Holi celebrations at Gokula Vidya Samsthe, a private school located in T Kagepura village. According to Mandya Superintendent of Police Mallikarjun Baladandi, the school, which has been operational since 1989, lacked the necessary authorization to run residential facilities. Baladandi revealed, “The management was illegally operating the hostel on the first floor of the school building without proper infrastructure, including toilets for children.”
Of the 30 students affected, 24 are from Meghalaya. Seven of the hospitalized children remain in critical condition, with one requiring ventilator support. Police investigations have uncovered that the school had a practice of providing hostel students with leftover food from nearby events and celebrations. On March 14, the students were served vegetable pulao and chutney that were remnants of a Holi feast organized by a local group.
“We have registered a case under Section 286 (Negligent conduct concerning a poisonous substance) and Section 106 (Causing death by negligence) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and have arrested three people in connection with the incident,” stated Baladandi. The arrested individuals include the cook, the hostel warden responsible for distributing the food without conducting quality checks, and the school owner. Mandya Deputy Commissioner Dr. Kumar confirmed that health department officials were notified on March 15 after students began exhibiting symptoms.
“Unfortunately, a 13-year-old student has died, which is deeply saddening. We have informed his parents. The remaining 29 students are receiving treatment,” Dr. Kumar stated. “Prima facie, the school’s negligence is evident—how did they allow an external party to supply food without permission? They had no authorization to run a hostel,” he added.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his deep sorrow over the incident through social media, stating that he had instructed officials to ensure proper treatment for the affected children and to take strict action against those responsible. “Everyone must be extra cautious before consuming food from external sources, especially when serving young children. Precious lives should not be lost due to carelessness,” the Chief Minister emphasized.
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