Hyderabad (Rural): About 67 schoolgirls from Telangana's Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) in Ranga Reddy district were hospitalised in Niloufer hospital on Sunday in a case of suspected food poisoning. On January 5, the children were served with fruit salad and later rice with dal for dinner.  Out of the 200 students studying in this school, 67 students complained of severe stomach ache and vomiting, following which they were rushed to Chevella Government Hospital.

Among the 67 students, 30 students were sent back after treatment and 37 were referred to Niloufer Hospital. But, due to age restrictions, Niloufer hospital, which is a children's hospital, admitted only 15 students and the others were shifted to Fever Hospital.

Speaking to the media, Chevella inspector, Guruvaiah said, "Around 67 girls fell sick and started vomiting, and were shifted to the government hospital. 30 students were treated and sent back to school after their condition improved. Another 37 girls were referred to Niloufer Hospital. Their condition is stable now."

The Chevella police have filed a case under section 337 (causing hurt by the act of endangering life) of the IPC against the school principal and cooks based on complaints filed by the parents.

District Medical and Health Officer of Ranga Reddy, KV Swarajya Lakshmi also addressed the media by stating that the food and water samples have already been collected and said that the sanitation condition at the hostel will be checked.

She also ruled out the possibility of water contamination and said that the hostel provided canned mineral water to the students.