Contractor Arrested After School Food Poisoning Incident

A contractor was arrested following a food poisoning incident at a school hostel that led to one student's death and 80 children's illness. Rajesh Kumar Gupta was apprehended after a complaint was lodged by a district social welfare officer. The police have initiated further legal actions.

The contractor responsible for the school hostel mess where one student died and approximately 80 children fell ill due to food poisoning has been arrested, police reported on Sunday.

Rajesh Kumar Gupta, a resident of Chauri Chaura, Gorakhpur, was apprehended near Padrimal Mor on Baikunthpur-Deoria road and subsequently jailed, according to officials.

On August 4, over 80 children residing in the hostel of Ashram Paddhati Vidyalaya in Mehrauna experienced illness after consuming food from the mess. One student, Shivam Yadav (14), succumbed to the illness during treatment at Gorakhpur Medical College. Among those affected, 60 received care at Maharshi Devraha Baba Medical College, Deoria.

District Social Welfare Officer Jaiswar Lal Bahadur filed a complaint, prompting the police to action against Gupta under applicable legal sections. Additional Superintendent of Police (South) Bhim Kumar Gautam confirmed Gupta's arrest and indicated that further actions are being taken per regulations.