Kochi: A brigadier-rank army officer will investigate the suspected food poisoning incident at a National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp held at KMM Arts and Science College, Thrikakara, in Kochi. The officiating additional director general of the NCC has appointed a committee led by Brigadier G Suresh Kollam, the NCC Group Commander, to probe the incident and submit a report promptly.

The camp will resume on December 26 after a two-day break, according to a statement from the officer. Several NCC cadets attending the 10-day Combined Annual Training Camp of the 21 Kerala Battalion under the NCC Directorate sought treatment at Government Medical College, Ernakulam, on Monday night after developing symptoms of food poisoning. A total of 513 cadets, including 235 girls, are participating in the camp, which began on December 21 and is scheduled to conclude on December 30.

Tense moments unfolded at the KMM college premises on Monday night when parents of the affected cadets, who were alarmed after hearing about the food poisoning, gathered in front of the institution. The parents and residents in the area entered the campus, accusing the camp officials of covering up the health incident.

The police have registered a case against 10 people for allegedly causing disturbances in the camp area. Officials confirmed that food samples and water used for cooking have been collected for testing.