India investigates school lunch incident after over 100 children fall ill due to dead snake found in meal

NEW DELHI, May 1 — India’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into reports that over 100 children fell ill after consuming a school lunch from which a dead snake had reportedly been removed before serving.

In a statement today, the NHRC said, “The cook allegedly removed a dead snake from the meal before serving it to the children.”

The incident occurred last week at a government school in Mokama, located in Bihar — one of India’s most impoverished states.

The commission has called on local authorities and police to probe media reports stating that more than 100 students became ill after consuming the contaminated lunch.

The case has sparked outrage, with families of the affected children staging protests and blocking roads in response.

“The news of the children falling sick after the midday meal prompted villagers to block the road in protest,” the commission noted.

Free midday meals are provided to millions of students in public schools across India, serving as an incentive to keep children enrolled and attending classes.

The NHRC has requested a comprehensive report from senior state officials and the police, including updates on the children’s health.

“If confirmed, the incident raises serious concerns over the violation of the students’ human rights,” the commission said.

The case recalls a tragic 2013 incident in Bihar's Saran district, where 23 schoolchildren died after consuming food tainted with pesticides — a disaster that led to enhanced food safety regulations in schools. — AFP