Shillong, March 18: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Tuesday has announced an ex-gratia of ₹3 lakh for the family of a 13-year-old student from Meghalaya who died in a suspected food poisoning case in Karnataka.
The Chief Minister, in a post on X, expressed his grief over the incident, stating, “Pained to learn the passing of another young boy from Meghalaya in Karnataka. My deepest condolences to the family.” He also assured that the state government would cover the medical expenses of all affected children and that officials have been sent to Karnataka to assist the families.
The deceased, Kerlang, was a Class VI student at Gokul Educational Institution’s residential school in T. Kagepura Village, Mandya District, Karnataka. He tragically passed away on Sunday.
A total of 23 students from Meghalaya were residing in the alleged illegal hostel where the incident occurred. Following the suspected food poisoning, all affected students were immediately hospitalised by the district administration.
In response, the Meghalaya government on Monday has deputed Inspector of Schools P. Sunn and Sub-Divisional School Education Officer R. Kharsyntiew from the District MIS, PM-POSHAN, to visit Karnataka. They will coordinate with the local administration and support the parents of all affected children from Meghalaya.
