Two students from the Tribal Welfare Residential School in Wankidi Mandal, Telangana, are in critical condition after reportedly consuming contaminated food and water in the hostel mess.
The incident, which has raised alarm over food safety in residential schools, led to the hospitalization of 30 students on October 31. On November 3, two of them, identified as Jyothika of Class VII and Mahalaxmi of Class VI, were transferred to Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) in Hyderabad for more intensive care as their health worsened.
Asifabad Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kova Laxmi of the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) visited the affected students and checked their treatment following their hospitalization. Concerned by the students’ deteriorating health, doctors recommended that Jyothika and Mahalaxmi be referred to NIMS for better medical attention. Acting on this advice, the district deputy director of the Tribal Welfare department organized their transfer to the Hyderabad facility.
The incident has ignited calls for accountability among school officials, with student leaders from various tribal organizations demanding the suspension of those responsible for the alleged negligence in food and water safety. They have pointed out that several cases of food poisoning have been reported in residential schools across the Kumurambheem Asifabad district, raising serious concerns about the quality of provisions provided to students.
The state government is now under pressure to ensure such incidents do not recur. Parents and community members are advocating for stricter oversight of food quality in residential schools to safeguard the health and well-being of students. As the investigation continues, officials are urged to immediately improve school conditions and prevent further health crises among vulnerable student populations.