Over 100 students hospitalised after suspected food poisoning in Telangana
Students from government schools and BC hostel fell ill across three Telangana districts, suspected food poisoning on January 29–30
More than 100 students across Telangana were taken ill in suspected food poisoning incidents reported over two days, raising serious concerns over food safety in government-run schools and hostels. The incidents, which occurred in Sangareddy, Khammam, and Wanaparthy districts on January 29 and 30, left families anxious and prompted visits by public representatives, hospitalisations, and official assurances of inquiries.
The first incident was reported from Sangareddy district, where 45 students of a government primary school in Venkatapur village fell sick on Thursday, January 29, after consuming the mid-day meal served at the school. According to students, one of the curries had a foul smell, and they alerted those in charge. However, their complaints were allegedly ignored, and the food was served as usual.
Within hours, several children began experiencing vomiting and stomach pain, triggering panic among parents and teachers. Twenty-three students were shifted to the Narayankhed Government Hospital for treatment. Doctors said that most of the affected children are stable but remain under observation as a precaution.
Narayankhed Assembly MLA and Congress leader Sanjeeva Reddy visited the hospital to review the situation and reassure worried parents. Speaking to the media, he said there was no need for panic and that all the children were safe. Acknowledging the concerns of families, he stated that a warning had been issued to the school supervisor to strictly follow the prescribed mid-day meal menu and food preparation norms. He also said directions had been given for repainting the school premises and ensuring the availability of cooking gas cylinders if required.
A day later, a similar incident was reported from Khammam district, compounding fears over the safety of food being served to children. On Friday, January 30, 38 students of the Bodiyathanda Government Primary School in Konijerla mandal fell ill with suspected food poisoning. The children complained of symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain soon after their meals.
Villagers, parents, and school staff rushed the students to the Khammam Government Hospital, arranging transport amid mounting concern. Doctors said around 10 students were in critical condition, while the remaining children were receiving treatment and being closely monitored. The exact cause of the food poisoning was not immediately known, and health officials said samples would be examined as part of the investigation.
Later the same night, another incident was reported from Wanaparthy district, where 32 students of the BC Intermediate Girls Hostel in Kothakota fell ill after dinner. The girls complained of severe stomach pain and vomiting, triggering alarm within the hostel.
Hostel warden Vijaya acted quickly and rushed the students to the Primary Health Centre in Kothakota. Medical officer Dr. Sravani administered first aid before shifting the students to the district hospital using a 108 ambulance service. According to the warden, the students had consumed bottle gourd curry, tomato rasam, and egg during dinner, and the food served is now under scrutiny.
As news of the incident spread, several public representatives and officials visited the district hospital. Among them were MLAs Madhusudan Reddy and Megha Reddy, District Collector Adarsh Surabhi, and BRS leaders Gattu Yadav and Hemanth. The visits underscored the seriousness of the situation and the public concern it generated.
Addressing the media, District Collector Adarsh Surabhi said a detailed inquiry had been ordered into the incident and assured that strict action would be taken against those found responsible. Brief tension prevailed at the hospital when BRS leaders attempted to question the MLAs, prompting police intervention to prevent the situation from escalating.
Later in the night, District Medical and Health Officer Sainath Reddy visited the hostel, interacted with students who had not fallen ill, and reassured them about their safety. He said health teams would continue to monitor the situation and ensure that all affected students received proper care.
The series of incidents has renewed calls for stricter monitoring of food quality in government schools and hostels. Parents and local residents have demanded accountability and stronger safeguards to ensure that meals meant to support children’s health and education do not instead put their lives at risk.