Thirteen students fell ill at Uttar Bharat Chandranagar Higher Secondary School in Belonia after reporting breathing difficulties and chest pain. Five students were discharged following medical observation, while four remain under care as authorities investigate the incident and prepare counselling and medical checks.
Thirteen students of Uttar Bharat Chandranagar Higher Secondary School in Belonia have reportedly fallen ill after experiencing symptoms including breathing difficulties and chest pain during classes, prompting the district administration to arrange medical treatment and closely monitor the situation.
The latest incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, when nine Class VII students reportedly developed breathing difficulties and chest pain while attending classes. According to the South Tripura district administration, the incident took place between approximately 12.30 pm and 1 pm.
Following the incident, the affected students were taken to Belonia Sub-Divisional Hospital for medical examination, treatment and observation. Officials said the students were in stable condition and their health had improved by around 6.15 pm.
Of the nine students taken to the hospital on Wednesday, five were discharged after undergoing medical observation. The remaining four students continued to remain under the supervision of doctors at the hospital.
The incident has raised concern among parents and school authorities as it reportedly comes only days after three students in the same classroom developed similar symptoms. The repeated occurrence has prompted authorities to take additional precautionary measures and arrange medical and counselling support at the school.
Officials from the South District Education Department, along with Belonia Sub-Divisional Magistrate Debajyoti Roy, visited the hospital after receiving information about Wednesday’s incident. Roy spoke with the treating doctors and interacted with the parents of the affected students to assess the situation.
The district administration said it was closely monitoring developments following directions from the Chief Minister’s Office. Necessary measures have also been initiated to ensure the safety and well-being of the students.
Authorities said there were no apparent ventilation-related issues in the classroom at the time of the incident. The fans were reportedly functioning properly, while adequate ventilation was also available.
The South Tripura Chief Medical Officer is monitoring the health condition of the affected students. A medical team comprising doctors and other specialists has been constituted on the initiative of the Chief Medical Officer to examine the students and provide counselling.
As a precautionary measure, a medical camp and counselling session will be organised at the school at 11 am on Thursday. The programme is expected to help assess the students’ physical condition and address any concerns following the repeated reports of similar symptoms.
Although there is no official confirmation regarding the cause of the incident, sources in the administration suggested that it could potentially be a case of mass hysteria. Such episodes can sometimes occur among groups of adolescents, with several individuals developing physical symptoms after an initial incident. However, officials have stressed that no confirmed explanation has yet been established.
There were also allegations that teachers had initially failed to take immediate steps to shift the affected students to hospital. The headmaster and other teachers later reached the hospital after being informed that the students had already been taken there and enquired about their condition.
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The district administration has not provided any definitive explanation for the students’ symptoms. Officials said further steps would be taken based on medical advice, examination findings and health assessments.
The upcoming medical camp and counselling session are expected to provide further clarity while helping school authorities and parents address concerns regarding the health and safety of students.
