426 Kids at Risk After Phenyl Found in School Meal
A shocking incident in Chhattisgarh has raised serious health and safety concerns after a case of phenyl in a meal was reported at a government-run residential school. A teacher from the institution has been arrested for allegedly mixing a harmful chemical in the food prepared for more than 400 tribal students.
What Happened?
According to police reports, the incident occurred on August 21 at a porta-cabin residential school in Pakela, located in the Bastar division of Sukma district. The school, which houses around 426 children, provides mid-day meals as part of government support programs.
Officials say that foul-smelling liquid suspected to be phenyl, a cleaning and disinfectant chemical, was deliberately mixed into the students’ meals. Fortunately, the contamination was detected before the food was consumed.
Teacher Booked for Attempt to Murder
Police confirmed that the accused, identified as Dhananjay Sahu, a teacher living on the school premises, was taken into custody. An FIR (First Information Report) was lodged at Chhindgarh police station on Wednesday.
Sukma’s Additional Superintendent of Police, Abhishek Verma, stated that Sahu has been charged with attempt to murder, given the potentially deadly consequences of ingesting phenyl.
How the Incident Came to Light
The matter surfaced on Monday, nearly a week after the suspected contamination. Once the foul odour in the food was noticed, school staff raised an alarm, and the district administration immediately stepped in.
Following this, Sukma Collector Devesh Kumar Dhruv ordered a full inquiry into the matter. Authorities confirmed that the exact motive will only be clear after a detailed interrogation of the teacher.
Health Risks of Phenyl Consumption
Phenyl is a toxic chemical commonly used for cleaning floors and toilets. Medical experts warn that ingestion of even small amounts can cause:
- Severe damage to the digestive tract
- Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Breathing difficulties
- Risk of organ failure or death in high doses
This is why the phenyl in meal allegation is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the safety of hundreds of children was at risk.
Conclusion
The police and district administration have assured that strict action will be taken. Meanwhile, health officials are conducting awareness checks to ensure food safety in other residential schools across Bastar.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
- Health News and Updates,People Forum
- 28 August 2025
- 15:00
