Over 50 NCC cadets fall ill during training:Dizziness, vomiting and weakness reported after dinner, 7 admitted to ICU

More than 50 NCC cadets suddenly fell ill during a training camp in Jabalpur district, triggering panic among authorities and camp organizers. Around 20 girl cadets and one boy are reported to be in serious condition, while seven cadets have been admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The incident took place at the Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing (IIITDM) campus on Dumna Road, around 18 km from the district headquarters. Taking serious note of the matter, the divisional commissioner has ordered a high-level inquiry. Around 450 cadets participating in 10-day camp According to officials, the Madhya Pradesh Armed Squadron NCC has been organizing a 10-day Combined Annual Training Camp (CATC-98) at the IIITDM campus since May 14. Around 450 cadets from Jabalpur, Narsinghpur, Seoni, Katni, Chhindwara, Tendukheda, Katangi and Nunsar, among other areas, are participating in the camp. Allegations have surfaced that continuous physical training was conducted despite temperatures touching 43°C and severe heatwave conditions, leading to many cadets falling sick. Several cadets complained of illness after dinner According to reports, the cadets had dinner around 8 pm on Thursday, after which several participants began experiencing health issues. The affected cadets complained of: They were rushed to the district hospital after their condition deteriorated. Some cadets claimed they fell ill after consuming cottage cheese curry served during dinner, raising suspicion of possible food poisoning. Administration attributes illness primarily to heatwave However, the administration and health department are initially treating extreme heat and heatwave conditions as the primary reason behind the incident. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Naveen Kothari said all cadets are being provided necessary medical care and that most of them are currently stable. Many cadets appeared frightened After receiving information about the incident, teams from the administration, health department and police reached the hospital. Officials attempted to speak to the cadets, but several appeared frightened and hesitant to speak openly about the situation. City Superintendent of Police Sonu Kurmi said that parents of all affected cadets have been informed and doctors are continuously monitoring their health. Police are investigating all possible angles, including suspected food poisoning. Cadets say training continued in harsh sunlight A cadet from Tendukheda said many students were unable to cope with Jabalpur’s intense heat, leading to health complications. Cadets stated that the camp had been underway for the past seven days and training sessions were continuously conducted under direct sunlight. Some participants also claimed that their condition worsened after having dinner.