On the occasion of the 80th Independence Day, a severe incident of administrative negligence surfaced at a government middle school in Mallpura village, located within the Pawai police station jurisdiction. Sweets served to young students during the celebrations contained mold and visible caterpillars. Shortly after consuming the contaminated laddus, several small children fell ill and began vomiting violently. The situation deteriorated further when the father of two affected children approached the local police to lodge a complaint, only to be allegedly assaulted by the officers on duty.
Spoiled Sweets Served During Festive Distribution
As part of the 80th Independence Day celebrations, government schools were instructed to provide a special meal to students. The sanctioned menu included puri, vegetable curry, kheer, and sweets. However, at the middle school in Mallpura village, the quality of the distributed sweets was dangerously compromised. When the laddus were handed out, students noticed that they were covered in white fungus and infested with crawling worms.
Recognizing the contamination, many older students immediately discarded the sweets. While the food was not served to every single child, a large majority of those who received the laddus threw them away. Unfortunately, some of the younger children, eager for the festive treat, consumed the spoiled laddus without realizing the danger.
Children Taken to District Hospital After Falling Ill
Shortly after eating the contaminated laddus, several young children began suffering from acute food poisoning symptoms, including severe stomach cramps and continuous vomiting. Alarmed by their sudden illness, family members rushed the sick children to the hospital. They were admitted to the district hospital, where medical staff began providing emergency treatment.
Police Allegedly Assault Laborer Father Seeking Justice
Distressed by the condition of his two children, a local laborer went to the Pawai police station to seek medical assistance and request strict action against those responsible for preparing and serving the toxic food. However, instead of receiving help, the father faced severe harassment from law enforcement officials.
According to the father, police personnel inside the station used abusive language against him and subjected him to physical assault. Following the beating, officers forcibly detained him inside the police station. Meanwhile, other family members transported the sick children to the district hospital. The father was released from police custody only after a considerable delay.
Family Rejects Cash Offer to Hush Up the Matter
As public concern grew over the incident, attempts were allegedly made to cover up the scandal. The mother of the affected children revealed that an ASHA worker called her late in the evening and offered a monetary sum to withdraw the complaint and suppress the case. Rejecting the bribe, the mother stated that she would never compromise on the health and lives of her children for money.
Child Welfare Committee Initiates Probe
The incident was also reported to the Child Helpline, prompting immediate intervention by the Child Welfare Team. Recognizing the severity of the matter, officials from the Child Welfare Committee visited the district hospital to inspect the condition of the hospitalized children and meet with the aggrieved family.
An official from the Child Welfare Committee confirmed that a formal investigation has been launched into the distribution of rotten food and the subsequent mistreatment of the victim's family. The committee has directed the relevant administrative departments to take swift and stringent action against all responsible parties.
