The school children complained of stomach cramps and started vomiting soon after having food which comprised of rice, pulse and vegetables in the Tilkai secondary school and were taken to the referral hospital at Makhdumpur, the District Education Officer (DEO) Gayasuddin said.
As the news about children's illness spread, anxious parents rushed to the school and held the Principal and the Block Education Officer (BEO) hostage, Gayasuddin said.
The Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Ramniranjan Singh and other local officials rushed to the spot and rescued the Principal and the BEO.
The ailing children have since recovered and a probe ordered into the matter.
Security has been beefed at the school and referral hospital.
