A team from the Mandya District Child Protection Unit in Karnataka on Wednesday handed over 22 children from Meghalaya to the state’s Social Welfare Department. These children were studying at the Gokula Educational Trust in Bengaluru. During the celebration of Holi at the institute on March 16, several students were taken ill due to food poisoning and hospitalised. Later, two from Meghalaya – 12-year-old Namebantei Marwein from Sohparu in West Khasi Hills and a Class VII student Khrehlang Khongtani – died.
The formal handover of the 22 children took place at an event held at the conference hall of the Directorate of Social Welfare. The event was attended by Social Welfare Minister Paul Lyngdoh, State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (SCPCR) Chairperson Agatha K Sangma, Social Welfare Director CD Lyngwa, and other officials.
Lyngdoh told the media that the Education Department is arranging for the children’s admission in nearby schools, as their education has been interrupted. He said the department will require two to three days to complete the formalities.