JD-U chief Sharad Yadav calls for strict action against accused in mid-day meal poisoning case

Janata Dal-United (JD-U) chief Sharad Yadav on Wednesday called for strict action against those responsible for mid-day meal poisoning case in Bihar's Saran district, in which 20 children have died.

"The government will do all in its capacity. We are investigating whether there was something wrong in the material supplied," Yadav said.

According to reports, 27 children are undergoing treatment at Patna Medical College And Hospital. They are admitted to hospital after consuming mid-day meal served to them at a government primary school in Dahrmasati village at Mashrakh block, about 25 Kms from Chhapra on Tuesday.

All children are reportedly between 8 and 12 years. They fell ill soon after eating the meal which consisted rice, pulse and soybeans.

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.

Kumar has also announced a compensation of two 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.