Puttur: Several people reportedly fell ill after being caught in a large crowd during the “Ashok Janamana Deepavali Cloth Distribution Programme” held at the Kombettu grounds on Monday.

MLA Ashok Rai expressed regret over the incident, saying he had not anticipated such a massive turnout. “More people attended than we expected, and sudden wind and rain in the afternoon caused congestion in the crowd. Around seven to eight people felt unwell but were immediately given medical attention,” he said.

The MLA added that despite adequate arrangements, the unexpected surge in attendance led to some inconvenience. “If anyone was hurt or felt discomfort during the event, I sincerely apologise. The distribution of gifts continued until around 9:30 p.m. I extend my gratitude to all who cooperated,” Rai said, expressing sorrow over the incident.

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Saharsa (PTI): More than 150 children were taken ill after allegedly consuming food that was part of the mid-day meal in a school in Bihar’s Saharsa district, a senior official said on Thursday.

The incident occurred at a middle school in Baluaha village of the district.

The official said that 115 children were undergoing treatment at the Sadar Hospital, while around 50 students were admitted to Mahishi Public Health Centre.

“We received information that several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal in Baluaha. The children were initially treated at the primary health centre, but later, many were referred to the Sadar Hospital,” Saharsa District Magistrate Deepesh Kumar told reporters.

“According to doctors, the health condition of the children has improved, but they will be kept under observation for some time. There is no need to panic. Some kids are having mild fever. They are being treated accordingly,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, family members of some children claimed that a snake was found in the container in which cooked pulses was stored at the school.

Of the 545 students present in the school, 200 had already eaten their meals by the time the snake was spotted, and later complained of stomach ache and vomiting, they said.

Regarding the claims, the DM said food samples have been collected from the school.

“We will be able to comment on this only after the results of the tested samples arrive,” he said.