Daijiworld Media Network - Gadag

Gadag, Mar 14: A Holi celebration took a disturbing turn in Lakshmeshwar town of Gadag district when a group of miscreants hurled chemical-laced colours at schoolgirls, leaving seven of them hospitalised on Friday.

Four of the affected students developed severe symptoms, including breathlessness and chest pain, and were shifted to the Gadag Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) for advanced treatment. The remaining three are receiving medical care at the government hospital in Lakshmeshwar, sources said.

The shocking incident has sparked widespread outrage, with anxious parents rushing to the hospitals. Meanwhile, the police have launched an investigation and a search operation to track down the culprits.

According to preliminary reports, the schoolgirls were waiting at a bus stand near Suvarnagiri Tanda to board their bus for school, where they were scheduled to write exams. A gang of miscreants on motorbikes suddenly arrived and began throwing colours at them. The students managed to get onto their bus, but the assailants chased the vehicle, forcibly boarded it, and targeted seven girls by dousing them with chemically tainted colours.

Investigations have revealed that the substance contained a mix of cow dung, eggs, phenol, and synthetic dyes. The girls inadvertently inhaled or ingested traces of the mixture, leading to their health complications.

Distressing scenes unfolded at the hospitals as the students struggled to breathe and complained of chest pain. Senior police officials visited the hospital and assured the victims' families that swift action would be taken against those responsible.

The perpetrators fled the scene on bikes, and authorities are gathering statements from witnesses and fellow passengers to identify them. The investigation is ongoing, and further details are expected to emerge.