Koraput/Balasore, Dec 13: More than 80 students fell ill after consuming food at a government upper primary school in Bausnsput village under Bandhugaon block of Koraput district on Saturday, after a lizard was reportedly found in the meal served to them.

The incident occurred at Bausnsput Government Upper Primary School when food was served to students at around 9 am. Soon after eating, several students complained of uneasiness, leading to panic on the campus. A medical team was rushed to the school and provided immediate treatment to the affected children.

Some students told officials that a lizard was seen on the plates during the meal. A few students said they noticed it before eating and discarded the food, while others reported feeling sick soon after consuming the meal.

Following the incident, several parents reached the school and took their children home. Health officials said the condition of all affected students is stable and under observation.

School authorities denied that stale food was served, maintaining that the meal had been freshly prepared. Officials said an inquiry would be conducted to ascertain if any lizard entered the food or not and to fix responsibility.

Medical personnel continued to monitor the students as a precaution. Further action is expected based on the findings of the inquiry.

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In another major disturbing incident, a Class-8 minor girl alleged an attempted sexual assault by her mathematics teacher in Balasore district. According to the complaint, the accused is a mathematics teacher identified as Sheikh Rehan of Haji Nasiruddin School, located near Golapokhari under Balasore Town police station limits. The alleged incident triggered unrest within the school premises.