At least seven schoolgirls were hospitalised after a gang of miscreants threw chemical-laced colours on them while they were waiting for their school bus in Lakshmeshwar town, Gadag district, Karnataka, on Friday.
According to preliminary reports, the condition of four girls became critical as they experienced breathlessness and severe chest pain. They were shifted to the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) for advanced treatment, while the remaining three are receiving care at a local government hospital in Lakshmeshwar.
The incident occurred near the Suvarnagiri Tanda bus stand, where the girls were waiting to board their school bus to appear for exams. A group of men on motorcycles approached the bus stop and began throwing colours at the students. When the girls managed to board the arriving school bus, the miscreants allegedly chased the vehicle, climbed on board, and deliberately poured the chemical-laced colours on the seven girls.
Investigations revealed that the substance contained a harmful mixture of cow dung, eggs, phenol, and other chemicals. Upon exposure, the girls unknowingly inhaled and ingested traces of the mixture, which led to respiratory distress and chest pain.
The parents of the victims rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news, and the incident has sparked widespread outrage in the community. Senior police officials visited the hospital and assured the families that those responsible would face strict action.
The accused fled the scene on motorcycles, and police have launched a manhunt, gathering witness statements from locals and other passengers on the bus. Authorities are continuing the investigation, and further details are expected to emerge soon.
