Guwahati: At least six individuals were arrested in connection with the food poisoning incident at a hostel in Karnataka has resulted in the deaths of two students from Meghalaya and hospitalized 22 others.

Six individuals, including a restaurant cook, hotel owner and school staff, have been arrested in connection with the incident.

The students were admitted to the Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, where they are receiving treatment.

Initially, three students were in the ICU, but currently, only one remains in critical care, while the rest are in stable condition.

According to officials, the students had been living in an unauthorized hostel associated with their school. On the day of Holi, they were served dinner from a local restaurant, which led to the mass poisoning. Food samples have been sent for forensic examination to ensure a thorough investigation.

The Meghalaya government has instructed the concerned deputy commissioners to release an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh to the families of the two deceased students. Police has taken swift action, registering an FIR and arresting the accused under Sections 286 and 106 BNSS at the Malavalli Rural Police Station.

The government has reassured that the law will take its own course, and those responsible will be prosecuted accordingly.

The district administration is also exploring ways to facilitate the students' exams without academic loss, and plans are underway to bring them back to Meghalaya after legal formalities and health considerations are met.

Meanwhile, the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC) has urged the state government to take serious note of the incident and investigate the conditions of children taken by RSS and its affiliates to Karnataka, as highlighted in a 2009 investigative report.