Forensic report confirms pesticide in Bihar school midday meal

Forensic scientists had found the presence of Monocrotophos, which iss used as a pesticide for agricultural use and is very toxic for human beings

A forensics report has confirmed that pesticide was present at five times more than the permissible limit in the food substances that caused the death of 23 children in a mid-day meal tragedy at the s Dharmasati Primary School in Bihar's Chhapra District on July 16.

Additional Director General of Police Ravindra Kumar told media that forensic scientists had found the presence of Monocrotophos, an organophosphorous compound in the oil used in cooking of mid-day food for school children.

Kumar also said that after completion of the investigation, things will be clear as to how pesticide was found in the food products.

Monocrotophos is used as a pesticide for agricultural use and is very toxic for human beings.

Meanwhile, the opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in connection with the death of 23 children in mid-day meal tragedy.

It has also demanded a compensation of Rs.10 lakh to each of the victims' families.

The Bihar unit of the Congress Party has alleged that the mid-day meal tragedy had taken place despite the state officials being alerted about irregularities in the implementation of the scheme at a meeting in April.