Dead lizard found in Mid-Day meal, Children fall ill; Journalists allegedly assaulted at hospital

Saharsa, Bihar: Several children fell ill after consuming the mid-day meal served at Upgraded Middle School in Vasudeva village under Bangaon, Saharsa, on Saturday, September 12, after a dead lizard was allegedly found in the food.

According to local reports, the affected children complained of symptoms including stomach pain, vomiting and nausea. The administration reached the spot and shifted the children to a health facility for treatment. An inquiry has been initiated into the incident, with the District Education Officer stating that action would be taken if negligence is established.

The incident took a further turn when journalists who reached the hospital to report on the condition of the children allegedly faced assault and intimidation by doctors and hospital staff. Local reports claim that journalists were confined to a room and that one of the doctors allegedly told them, “We are your fathers.” The Saharsa District Magistrate has ordered an inquiry into the alleged assault. As of September 13, no credible report confirming an FIR or disciplinary action against the doctors or hospital staff could be found.

The episode comes amid repeated concerns over school-meal safety in Bihar. On August 18, more than two dozen students in Nalanda reportedly fell ill after detergent was allegedly used instead of salt in a mid-day meal.

Earlier, on May 7, 2026, more than 150 children in Saharsa fell ill after a suspected contaminated mid-day meal, with the Patna High Court later recording that 189 children had been hospitalised. A forensic report referred to “small snakes” being found in food plates at a school in Baluaha.

The recurring incidents have raised questions over food-safety checks, supervision and accountability in Bihar’s school-meal programme.