Shillong: Another student from Meghalaya, who had been in critical condition following the Karnataka food poisoning incident, passed away on Monday evening at Apollo Hospital, Mysuru.
This raises the death toll to two in the incident that occurred at a residential school in Mandya district, Karnataka. Meanwhile, the remaining 22 affected students from Meghalaya are reported to be in stable condition and are under close medical supervision.
The Meghalaya government has announced an ex gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the next of kin of the deceased and assured that all medical expenses of the ailing students will be covered.
Following the incident, a Meghalaya government team comprising officials from the Education Department visited the site to assess the situation. The team met with the District Magistrate of Mandya and visited the hospital where the affected students are being treated.
They inspected the residential school and engaged with relevant stakeholders. A detailed report on their findings will be submitted to the Education Department soon.
Cyril V. Diengdoh, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of the Home (Police) Department, Government of Meghalaya, also visited the site, accompanied by district administration and police officials.
Mandya District Magistrate Dr. Kumar, IAS, briefed him on the ongoing police investigation, which has so far led to the arrest of three individuals, including the school owner and hostel warden. Senior medical officers at the hospital provided updates on the condition of the students.
Meanwhile, Meghalaya Health Minister Ampareen Lyngdoh on Tuesday expressed deep anguish over the deaths, emphasising the need for greater awareness among parents regarding institutions where they send their children for education.
“We have to educate our own people if you send your child you should know the credibility of the institution. Most times we’re not privy to information, we’re not aware and this recruitment without scrutiny and this is a lesson learnt and I’m sure education department will give its own protocol henceforth and I’m sure that this kind of eye opening tragic incident shouldn’t occur again,” stated Lyngdoh.
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