KORBA (C'GARH): At least 35 students of a government-run school fell ill after they consumed seeds of the toxic jatropha plant, commonly used for bio-fuel, at a village here, officials said on Saturday.
The children of government primary and middle school at Sakdukala village under the jurisdiction of Kartala police station fell ill after they ate jatropha seeds outside the school premises on Friday, said Korba Block Medical Officer Dr Birendra Singh Kanwar.
After having the mid-day meal, the students had gone outside the school premises to play, during which they consumed seeds of the plant locally known as 'Ratanjot', probably mistaking it for a fruit, the BMO said.
Subsequently, they complained of uneasiness and some of them fell unconscious, following which other students informed teachers and their parents.
As many as 35 students, including five girls, who had developed complications were rushed to Kartala government health centre, around 25 kms away from here, he added.
However, the condition of the children is stable and all of them have now been discharged from the hospital, he said.