12 Mandya students ill after drinking poison-laced water

Mandya: A dozen children were taken ill at a government school at Hulkeri in Mandya district after drinking water laced with pesticide on Monday. While 10 students were said to be out of danger, the condition of two was said to be serious.Some miscreants had allegedly put a poison into the water tank of the school on Sunday night. Not aware of this, the schoolchildren drank it on Monday morning and complained of uneasiness. The school authorities immediately shifted them to a hospital.

The doctors said that 10 students were out of danger and two were being treated as inpatients. As the news spread, parents rushed to the school to know the condition of their children. Senior education department officials too visited the school and lodged a complaint with the police. The reason for the heinous act was not known.Mandya Rural police registered a case and are investigating. The police have collected the water sample for chemical analysis about the poison used by the miscreants.

Meanwhile, Mandya MP Sumalatha Ambareesh expressed her concern and directed the district administration to take necessary action. She also prayed for the speedy recovery of the children.