Kozhikode (Keralam) | A physical education teacher was arrested on Thursday for allegedly making a false claim that worms were found in food served to students attending the State Sports Meet being held here, police said.

The arrested person was identified as Jijo James, a teacher at a vocational higher secondary school in Ernakulam district.

The State Sports Meet is being held at the NIT Kozhikode ground, with students from all schools under the General Education Department taking part.

On Wednesday, James alleged that worms were found in the food served to students attending the event.

Police said the teacher made a Facebook post alleging the misconduct.

Later, student organisation SFI held a protest march, officials said.

Following the allegation, the organisers conducted an inspection and found it to be false, police said.

Based on a complaint lodged by Sports Meet Convenor P K Aravindan, the Kunnamangalam police registered a case against James on Thursday under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly giving provocation with intent to cause a riot.

By evening, the teacher deleted the social media post, officials said.

Kunnamangalam police took him into custody and later recorded his arrest.

As the case is registered under a bailable charge, the teacher would be released on bail, officials said.

Further investigation is underway, police added.