‘Poisoned’ water makes 11 students ill

The students, who developed stomach pain and vomiting after breakfast, were rushed to the Government Hospital in Bhupalpally for treatment. A science teacher, Rajendar, has been named as the prime suspect.

According to students, conflicts between teachers were frequent, and they often felt unsafe as a result. They alleged that Rajendar had ongoing disputes with the principal and two other teachers, Venu and Surya Prakash. They further claimed that he sprinkled a suspicious liquid on their blankets and threatened anyone who tried to expose him, leading them to believe he might have mixed pesticide into the school’s drinking water tank.

Shockingly, Rajendar reportedly pretended to be ill himself and admitted to the hospital alongside the students in an attempt to divert suspicion.

MLA Gandra Satyanarayana, accompanied by district collector Rahul Sharma and superintendent of police Kiran Khare, visited the school and the district hospital. They interacted with the students to understand the incident and assured parents that the children would receive the best medical care. The MLA instructed health officials to keep the children under 24-hour observation and warned that severe action, including criminal prosecution, would be taken against those responsible.

Collector Rahul Sharma told Deccan Chronicle that teacher Rajendar, along with teachers Venu and Surya Prakash and cook Rajeshwari, had been immediately suspended. To prevent such incidents, special officers and police personnel will now conduct regular inspections at all hostels to ensure student safety. He confirmed that the students’ health condition was stable.

SP Kiran Khare said that following the collector’s orders, a criminal case was registered against Rajendar and further investigation had begun. He warned that any school or hostel staff found involved in such acts would face strict criminal prosecution.