Karnataka: Workers' body seeks CID probe into Kalaburagi school food illness cases

The Karnataka State Government Hostel and Residential Schools Contract Workers' Association has called for a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) inquiry into incidents of students falling ill after consuming food at two Morarji Desai Residential Schools in Kalaburagi district. The affected schools are located in Dandoti in Chittapur taluk and Karajagi in Afzalpur taluk.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, the association's State president, Bheemshetty Yempalli, alleged that the suspension of principals, wardens, and kitchen staff in connection with the incidents was an attempt to close the case without identifying the actual causes. He urged the government to order a CID probe to establish the facts and take strict disciplinary action against officials found negligent.

The union leader said such measures were necessary to prevent similar incidents in residential schools in the future. He also announced that an indefinite protest would be held in front of the Kalaburagi Zilla Panchayat office from August 11 to press for their demands.

Mr. Yempalli further alleged serious irregularities in the administration of residential schools, including delays in student admission processes, irregularities in outsourcing, and complaints of corruption. He claimed that administrative failures and corruption were being given priority over the educational interests and welfare of students.

The association also alleged violations of rules in the outsourcing tender processes of the Department of Minority Welfare and the Department of Social Welfare, demanding a comprehensive inquiry into these irregularities.

Specifically referring to the appointment of kitchen staff at the Karajagi Morarji Desai Residential School, Mr. Yempalli alleged irregularities in the recruitment process. He reiterated that a CID probe was essential to uncover the facts behind the food-related incidents at both schools.