Panic gripped Belonia North Bharat Chandra Nagar Higher Secondary School on Wednesday afternoon after around 13 students of Class VII suddenly fell ill during school hours, complaining of breathing difficulty, convulsions in the hands and legs, and a burning sensation in the chest.
Of the affected students, one is a boy and the remaining twelve are girls. All thirteen have been admitted to Belonia Hospital for treatment. According to reports, this is the second such incident at the school involving students falling ill.
Parents reportedly expressed anger, alleging that teachers made no immediate effort to take the students to hospital after they fell ill. However, once the students were brought in, the headmaster and other teaching staff rushed to the hospital to check on them.
Following news of the incident, the District Education Officer and the Belonia Sub-Divisional Magistrate also rushed to the spot. The exact cause behind the students falling ill remains unclear, and the matter has caused concern among the school administration and district education authorities.