15 Children Ill After Dead Lizard Found in Food at West Bengal ICDS Centre
Synopsis
In a shocking incident at an Anganwadi centre in West Bengal, 15 children were hospitalized after consuming food contaminated with a dead lizard. Parents are demanding accountability and immediate action.
Key Takeaways
15 children fell sick due to contaminated food.
A dead lizard was found in the meal served.
Children were admitted to Raidighi Rural Hospital .
Parents are demanding accountability from the authorities.
An investigation is underway to assess hygiene practices.
Kolkata, March 5 (NationPress) Approximately 15 children became ill at an Anganwadi centre in West Bengal on Thursday after a dead lizard was reportedly discovered in the cooked meal served there.
This incident occurred at the Nagendrapur Uttarpara ICDS centre located in Raidighi within the South 24 Parganas district. All the children who fell ill after consuming the contaminated food were promptly admitted to Raidighi Rural Hospital.
As reported by local sources, the children were being served lunch at the ICDS centre when the alarming discovery was made. A dead lizard was initially spotted on one child’s plate, but by then, many children had already eaten the food.
Shortly thereafter, several children began to complain of stomach pain and unease, with some also experiencing vomiting.
As news of the incident spread, parents hurried to the ICDS centre, causing panic in the neighborhood. The influx of children arriving at Raidighi Rural Hospital for treatment began to rise.
Aloke Jaldata, the MLA of Raidighi from the Trinamool Congress, visited the hospital soon after being informed of the situation. A qualified doctor, he inquired about the children’s health and oversaw their treatment.
In response to the MLA's directives, a specialized team of medical officers was dispatched to the area to evaluate the circumstances.
“We are closely monitoring the situation. We are also vigilant to see if any other children become ill. Two ambulances are on standby for emergencies,” stated the MLA.
He urged district administration officials to investigate the matter immediately and take appropriate action.
The block administration has been instructed to carry out a thorough inquiry into how the dead lizard ended up in the cooked food.
In the meantime, frustrated parents of the affected children protested the incident, demanding the dismissal of the cook responsible for preparing the meal.
They contended that negligence in food preparation at the centre had endangered the lives of their children.
Hospital sources indicate that the children who fell ill are currently under observation, but their condition is reported to be stable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the ICDS centre in West Bengal?
Around 15 children fell sick after a dead lizard was found in their cooked food at the Nagendrapur Uttarpara ICDS centre.
What actions have been taken following the incident?
Parents protested demanding the cook's removal, and local authorities have been directed to investigate the incident.
What is the current condition of the affected children?
The children are under observation at Raidighi Rural Hospital, but their condition is reported to be stable.
What measures are being taken to ensure safety?
A special team of medical officers has been sent to assess the situation, and two ambulances are on standby for emergencies.
How did the lizard end up in the food?
An investigation has been launched to determine how the dead lizard entered the cooked food served at the centre.
