In two separate incidents in Kampli taluk, Ballari district, more than 70 students fell ill after consuming contaminated food and beverages at their schools. At Honalli Siddappanavar Government Higher Primary School in Metri village, 26 students became sick after pieces of a house lizard were reportedly found in their midday meal. The affected students were taken to the Kampli Community Health Centre for treatment.
MLA J.N. Ganesh visited the health center to check on the students’ conditions, directing doctors to provide special care and urging the education department to hold those responsible for food preparation accountable. “This incident reflects negligence in meal preparation, and immediate corrective action is necessary,” he stated.
In a similar incident at Siddappa Government High School in the same village, more than 45 students fell seriously ill after consuming hot tea. Many students experienced vomiting and diarrhea shortly after, prompting their admission to the Kampli Government Hospital. Parents expressed outrage, blaming kitchen staff negligence for the incident. Local officials, including the tehsildar and the taluk medical officer, rushed to the hospital to assess the situation and speak with the students and their families.