The District Education Officer (DEO) in Rajkot has initiated a formal investigation into a private school following serious allegations of food poisoning among students. The incident occurred after a school picnic, prompting an official probe to ascertain the facts and ensure accountability.
Complaint Triggers Official Inquiry
The DEO's office received a formal complaint from a concerned parent of a Class 1 student at TGES School's Vadi campus. The parent detailed that his daughter participated in a school-organized picnic to Sakkarbaug Zoo in Junagadh on December 19. The children returned home late in the evening, around 11 PM.
However, the situation took a distressing turn the very next day. The complainant's daughter began experiencing severe symptoms, including vomiting and abdominal pain. Upon connecting with other parents through a WhatsApp group, the father discovered that his child was not alone. Several other students who had attended the same picnic reported similar illnesses, strongly pointing towards a collective case of food poisoning.
Lack of Clarity and Hospitalization
In his complaint, the parent raised critical questions that the school had allegedly failed to address. He highlighted the lack of a clear explanation regarding the source of the suspected contamination. Key concerns included:
- Whether the food was arranged directly by the school or sourced from an external restaurant.
- If all necessary food safety and hygiene measures were strictly followed during the picnic's arrangements.
- The overall handling of the situation after children started falling ill.
The child's condition necessitated medical intervention, and she was admitted to a private hospital for treatment. This hospitalization underscored the severity of the incident and amplified parental concerns.
DEO Forms Investigation Team
Speaking on the action taken, DEO Dixit Patel confirmed the receipt of the complaint. He stated that a dedicated three-member investigation team has been constituted to look into the matter thoroughly. This team includes two Class II officers, indicating the seriousness with which the education department is treating the allegation.
"The team will submit a report after verifying whether all prescribed rules and procedures were followed," Patel told the media. The investigation will scrutinize the entire chain of events, from picnic planning to food sourcing and safety protocols. Officials have clarified that further action will be determined based on the findings of this inquiry report.
This incident has sparked a conversation about the safety protocols mandatory for school-organized outdoor events, especially concerning food handling. Parents and authorities await the investigation's outcome to ensure such incidents are prevented in the future.
