Sixty National Cadet Corps (NCC) cadets were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning during a Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC) organized by the 21 Kerala Battalion NCC. The camp, held at a college in Thrikkakara, began on December 21.
The incident unfolded on Monday evening when several students complained of discomfort after dinner. Initially, 40 cadets reported symptoms, and the number soon rose to 60. The affected cadets were rushed to nearby hospitals and discharged later that night.
Official Inquiry Ordered
The NCC has launched a departmental-level inquiry into the incident, led by Brigadier Suresh G, NCC Group Commander of Kollam. Brigadier Suresh has been directed to submit a detailed report on the incident.
The inquiry follows a directive from the officiating Additional Director General of NCC, who has emphasized the urgency of uncovering the cause of the food poisoning.
Sequence of Events
The first signs of discomfort were reported around 7 PM when two girl cadets exhibited symptoms. This was followed by 13 more cadets reporting similar issues. As the night progressed, 47 additional cadets experienced symptoms, prompting swift medical intervention.
Cadets were initially treated at a Primary Health Centre and later referred to a Medical College, where they received outpatient care before being sent back to the camp.
Parent Concerns and Camp Suspension
Many concerned parents arrived to take their children home following the incident. Out of the 513 participants in the camp, which included 283 boys and 235 girls, a significant number chose to leave temporarily.
The NCC has suspended the camp for two days, announcing that it will resume on December 26.
Food and Water Testing
Samples of food and water used at the camp have been collected for testing, with results expected to confirm the cause of the suspected food poisoning.
Police Action
The local police have registered a case against around 10 individuals who allegedly caused disturbances in the camp area after news of the incident spread.
The camp, aimed at providing annual training to cadets from schools and colleges under the 21 Kerala Battalion NCC, will continue with enhanced safety measures following the incident.
Sources By Agencies