Shillong: A second student from Meghalaya has succumbed to alleged food poisoning in a Karnataka school, taking the death toll to two. The 12-year-old victim, who was critically ill, died on Monday night after being referred to a higher facility.

According to the Karnataka Education Department, the other 22 students from Meghalaya are in stable condition and are being closely monitored. A state team, comprising officials from the Education department, has visited the site to assess the situation and met with the District Magistrate of Mandya District.

The team also visited the hospital where the students are receiving medical care and the residential school where the incident occurred, meeting with all stakeholders. A report will be submitted to the Education Department subsequently.

Meanwhile, Cyril V Diengdoh, Commissioner & Secretary, Home (Police) Department, Government of Meghalaya, has also visited the site, accompanied by District Administration and Police Officials. The District Magistrate informed Diengdoh that three people, including the school owner and hostel warden, have been arrested, and the police investigation is ongoing.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma has announced a compensation of Rs. 3 lakh each to the next of kin of the two victims and assured that the state government will cover the medical expenses of all the affected children.