The midday meal, the initiative of the Government to encourage the children of weaker sections to study, has turned fatal in Pune.

Reports claim that following the consumption of the midday meal in a Government school in Pune, about 80 children fell ill on Friday.

The reason for the same is believed to be the unhygienic preparation of the meal. As per the authorities, the meal that was served had insects and rusted iron participles. Further, the meal, which was served, was prepared by a self-help group (SHG) in Pune.

Sangita Tiwari, President of Pune Municipal Corporation's School Board, confirmed, "Insects, flies, broken iron particles and other unhygienic and poisonous things were found from the khichdi that was served. Children felt stomach pain and they vomited after consumption of the food".

Reports confirm that the students of Dr. Zakir Hussain School fell ill and all the students were in the age bracket of 8-10 years.

Following the shocking incident, a case has been registered against the caterer that had supplied the food to the school.

The reports confirm that all the students, who fell ill, were in a serious condition and were, admitted to a private hospital.

Later, it was announced by the PMC Education Board that it would bear all the medical expenses of the students, who had fallen ill, post the consumption of the unhygienic midday meal.