KOCHI: 12 students of Vyttila Ponnurunni East Anganwadi were admitted to hospital, in a case of suspected food poisoning. The children suffered from diarrhea and vomiting while three parents also showed symptoms of the disease.

Locals in the area alleged contaminated drinking water to have caused the tragedy. In the ensuing inspection, dead cockroaches were found in the water tank. Food is normally cooked using the water in this tank. There is a canal near the water tank, now filled with garbage. The Corporation Health Department responded to the issue and pointed fingers at Anganwadi authorities for not informing about the unhygienic condition of the canal.