The students in Jharkhand state fell sick after drinking tainted milk on Thursday evening, officials said. More than 30 were hospitalised, nine of them in critical condition.

Bandhu Tirkey, the state's Human Resources Development Minister, said the milk "seems to have caused food poisoning". He did not elaborate.

The state government has suspended teachers from the school for dereliction of duty, because food and drink is prepared under their supervision, an official said.

Villagers gathered near the school on Friday to protest against the deaths.

Agencies