The students, studying in class VI to VIII, of Dhupa Rampyari Junior Balika Vidyalaya, Balhar, were taken ill yesterday after consuming the mid-day meal. They were admitted to a community health centre in Sonebasra, police said today.
A lizard was later detected in the meal which was served to the students, they said.
An FIR has been lodged with the police against five people -- the headmaster, three cooks and an assistant teacher -- and efforts were on to nab them.
Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Minister Ram Govind Chaudhary visited the students in the community health centre and also directed officials concerned to take stern action against those responsible.