Children Hospitalized in India After Dead Snake Found in School Meals

In Mokama, Bihar, over 100 children have fallen ill after consuming contaminated school lunches that reportedly contained a dead snake. The National Human Rights Commission is now investigating.

A disturbing health incident in India has raised alarm after over 100 children were hospitalized due to a school meal tainted with a dead snake. Reports indicate that the cook served the meal to about 500 children despite removing the reptile. The incident, which took place in Mokama, Bihar, has triggered protests from locals demanding accountability. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened, decrying the serious violation of students’ rights and has mandated a thorough report on the situation to be submitted by state officials within a two-week timeframe, along with details about the children's health. This alarming episode reminds many of past school meal tragedies in India, including a 2013 incident where tainted food resulted in the deaths of 23 students in the same state. The Mid-Day Meal scheme, aimed at improving school attendance among disadvantaged children since its inception in 1925, continues to face scrutiny over food safety issues.