In Balodabazar, Chhattisgarh, a government school faced an unfortunate incident when a stray dog contaminated the mid-day meal intended for its students. Despite this awareness, the meal was served, leading to 78 students receiving precautionary anti-rabies vaccinations. Health and administration authorities have launched an investigation.
According to agency reports, the incident took place on July 29 at Lachhanpur Government Middle School, situated in the Palari block. A stray dog contaminated the meal prepared at the school. Some vigilant students alerted their teachers, who initially refused to serve the meal, but the self-help group responsible for the meal ignored the warning and proceeded to serve it.
Approximately 84 students consumed the meal. Once informed at home, parents and villagers rushed to the school. Jhalendra Sahu, president of the school management committee, alongside others, gathered at the school premises, demanding stringent actions against the responsible self-help group members.
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Following this, parents took the children to the nearest health center, where 78 students received the first dose of the anti-rabies vaccine as a precaution. In-charge of Lachhanpur health center, Veena Verma, stated that the vaccine was administered solely as a preventive measure and confirmed no infection. No side effects were expected from the first dose. This decision was made after discussions with parents, villagers, and the school management committee.
In response to the gravity of the situation, Subdivisional Magistrate (SDM) Dipak Nikunj, Block Education Officer Naresh Verma, and other officials visited the school to record statements from students, parents, teachers, and management committee members. However, members of the self-help group were not present during the investigation.
In this case, regional legislator Sandeep Sahu has written to Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai, calling for a high-level investigation and accountability for those responsible. He also sought clarity on the authority behind the decision to administer anti-rabies injections to the children.
