Over 150 students at a Shishukunj International School in Jhalaria in Indore allegedly became ill after eating food provided on campus, raising alarm among parents and prompting authorities to intervene on Monday.
More than 100 children from Kindergarten to class V fell ill after consuming the mid day meal and water provided at the campus. The incident happened on June 21, on the occasion of International Yoga Day. The students reported severe stomach pain, vomiting, and a high fever.
As the crisis intensified, parents rushed their children to nearby hospitals and paediatric clinics. Healthcare personnel reported numerous instances of food poisoning, gastroenteritis, and acute dehydration.
The issue gained prominence after videos circulated on social media and parents staged a protest at the school. At first, parents were unsure whether their children had fallen ill because of food consumed at school or something they had eaten at home.
However, when additional complaints from other students of Shishukunj International School emerged in a WhatsApp group, they concluded that the source was the school campus.
The situation intensified on Monday when a large group of parents gathered at the school and demanded action. Many parents also lodged complaints with officials from the district administration, health department, food safety department, and education department.
In response, a joint team of officials visited the school to look into the issue. The school is known for enrolling children from numerous high-profile families, including IAS, IPS, and IFS officers, as well as industrialists, doctors, and engineers.
Police stated that a school official reported the food had been served on Saturday and that CCTV cameras had been installed in the mess for surveillance. The official also said that while the students were not hospitalised, they did feel unwell, and no medical certificates had been provided.
School's Response
Principal Richa Tiwari’s argues that there was no wrongdoing on our part, particularly regarding the food safety and hygiene standards maintained at the school.
The complaints of stomach infections were reported 48 hours later. We had served freshly prepared food, including rajma, rice, chaulai, and ice cream from a reputable brand. The ice cream was produced in June and had a shelf life of one year.
Previous Cases
This incident has once more sparked concerns about safety at the school. In November 2025, five students were hurt when a glass beaker containing dilute hydrochloric acid burst during a chemistry demonstration held in front of Class 7 students. The children required medical treatment for injuries caused by flying glass shards and contact with the chemical.
