On July 29, 2025, a troubling incident unfolded at the Government Middle School in Lachhanpur village, Balodabazar district, Chhattisgarh: a stray dog reportedly licked and partially ate the cooked vegetable curry prepared for the mid‑day meal. Students immediately informed teachers, but members of the local Self‑Help Group (SHG) dismissed the warning and proceeded to serve the dish.

Once the children returned home and voiced concerns, parents and School Management Committee members demanded medical action. Consequently, 78 students received their first dose of anti-rabies vaccine at a local health centre—not out of confirmed exposure, but as a safety measure following community pressure. Medical officials clarified the vaccine was precautionary and carried no side effects.

An official inquiry has since been launched. Sub‑divisional Magistrate Deepak Nikunj, Block Education Officer Naresh Verma, along with local officials, visited the school to record statements. However, SHG members reportedly failed to appear before the investigative team. Congress MLA Sandeep Sahu has demanded full accountability, questioning why contaminated food was served despite teacher warnings and who authorised the unverified vaccination.