Class 6 student drops chemical pellets into classmate’s water bottle at Ahmedabad school

A serious incident has come to light at a private school in Maninagar, Ahmedabad, where a Class 6 student allegedly dropped chemical pellets into a classmate’s water bottle, triggering concern among parents and school authorities.

According to the school management, the incident occurred at Durga School, where CCTV footage showed a student seated on the front bench allegedly taking pellets from his pocket and dropping them into another student’s bottle. In the footage, the affected child is later seen drinking water from the bottle and subsequently offering it to other students to smell after noticing an unusual odour.

School principal Ketan Shah said the incident came to light after the student who drank the water complained of discomfort. “The child’s condition deteriorated mildly after consuming the water. He was immediately taken to the hospital by the school authorities, where doctors confirmed that his condition was stable and there was no serious health impact,” Shah said.

He added that CCTV footage was reviewed as part of the internal inquiry. “The footage clearly shows the student placing something into the bottle and later, when the smell becomes noticeable, the bottle is passed around,” the principal said.

Following the incident, the parents of the student who allegedly dropped the pellets were called to the school. The student has been placed on leave pending further review. According to the school, the child’s father is engaged in the kite-making business, and the pellets may have been brought from home, where such materials are commonly used. However, the school said the exact motive behind the act remains unclear.

“There was no prior conflict between the two students. They are friends and had earlier studied together at another school before taking admission here,” Shah said.

In response to the incident, the school has tightened safety protocols. “We have started checking students’ bags regularly and have strictly instructed that no unnecessary items be brought to school. If any child needs to carry medicines, parents must now be present and inform the school in advance,” the principal said.

School authorities added that, as of now, no notice or directive has been received from the District Education Officer (DEO), and no external action has been initiated.