The National Human Rights Commission of India (NHRC) announced that it has investigated the report, which says more than 100 children fell ill after eating school lunches and that a dead snake was allegedly removed before serving.
The incident occurred last week in a government-established school in Mokama, a city in eastern Bihar, the poorest in India, the NHRC said in a statement. According to reports cited by the committee, Cook allegedly gave a dead snake to the student after removing it from the food.
“The chef reportedly gave the food to the children after removing the snake from the dead,” the NHRC said.
The committee has requested a “detailed report” of senior state officials and police officers, which should include the health status of the affected children and state the circumstances of the incident. If confirmed, the episode represents a “serious problem of serious violations of students’ human rights,” the NHRC said.
The incident caused public outrage, with parents and community members conducting protests including roadblocks. “The news about the children getting sick has led to protesters blocking the road due to consumption of mid-range meals.”
India’s lunch program offers free lunches to millions of children in public schools, both as nutritional interventions and inspiring school. However, concerns about hygiene and food safety remain, especially in underserved areas.
The NHRC’s inquiry evokes memories of the 2013 tragedy in Biharsalam, where 23 schoolchildren died after eating a pesticide-contaminated lunch. The incident led to nationwide scrutiny and tightening of school food safety programs.
The committee said it expects a quick and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and prevent the recurrence of this health hazard.
