A 13-year-old student died, and 28 others were hospitalised in Mandya district due to suspected food poisoning after consuming food served during Holi celebrations. The incident took place at Gokula Vidyasamsthe, a private educational institution in T Kagepura village, Malavalli taluk. The deceased student, identified as Kerlong from Northeast India, was among 24 students from the region studying at the institution.
The food, reportedly sponsored by a local businessman from Malavalli, was prepared at a hotel and distributed to attendees of the Holi celebration on March 14. Leftover food was later provided to students at the institution, who consumed it that evening. By March 15, several students developed symptoms of food poisoning, including vomiting and diarrhea, and initially received treatment at a primary health center. As their condition worsened by March 16, they were transferred to Malavalli Government Hospital and later to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences (MIMS).
According to District Health Officer Mohan, approximately 30 to 40 others who attended the Holi feast also exhibited symptoms of food poisoning and sought treatment at private hospitals in Mandya and Mysuru. He noted that collecting food samples for testing might be difficult since the meal was prepared on March 14. “We will take samples of the ingredients and subject them to tests,” he added.
Following the incident, authorities discovered that the private institution did not have the necessary permits to operate a hostel. Deputy Commissioner Kumara confirmed that the school was only authorised for day scholars and lacked the required infrastructure to run a residential facility. He stated that legal action would be taken against the institution for negligence.
The Malavalli police registered a case and arrested three individuals in connection with the incident: hotel owner Siddaraju, Gokula Vidyasamsthe secretary Lankesh, and an individual named Abhishek. Cases were also filed against six others as part of the investigation.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah expressed his condolences and directed district authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the affected students. “It was heartbreaking to learn that a student lost their life and several others fell seriously ill due to food poisoning at a private residential educational institution in T Kagepura, Malavalli taluk, Mandya district,” he said. He also confirmed that the government would provide compensation to the deceased student’s family and emphasized the importance of exercising caution when consuming food from external sources.
“As soon as I was informed, I spoke to the Deputy Commissioner of Mandya district and instructed him to arrange proper treatment for the children and take strict action against those responsible. The police have arrested three accused in this regard, and investigations are ongoing,” Siddaramaiah added.
Union Minister and Mandya MP HD Kumaraswamy also extended his condolences and assured that officials had been directed to provide necessary medical care. Mandya district in-charge Minister N Cheluvarayaswamy visited MIMS on Sunday to assess the condition of the hospitalised students.