The death toll in Bihar’s mid-day meal food poisoning incident has risen to 20. 27 children, mostly girls, are undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College And Hospital.

Their condition is stable. They ere admitted to hospital after consuming mid-day meal served to them at a government primary school in Saran district. Police said, the tragedy took place in Dahrmasati village at Mashrakh block, about 25 Kms from Chhapra on Tuesday.

The victims were aged below ten years and studied between class I and V. The children fell ill soon after eating the meal which consisted rice, pulse and soybeans. They were rushed to Chhapra Sadar Hospital.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has ordered a high level enquiry into the incident. A forensic team will assist in the probe which will be conducted jointly by Saran Divisional Commissioner and DIG.

The Chief Minister has also announced a compensation of 2 lakh rupees each to the families of the deceased. Union Human Resource Development Ministry has sent a senior official to Chhapra to take stock of the situation.

RJD president Lalu Prasad Yadav who represents Chhapra Parliamentary Constituency, has call for a bandh in Saran district today to protest the incident.

BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain said that complain about the quality of food under mid-day meal scheme received earlier also but state government did not take any corrective measure.