Initial suspicions of an accidental discharge from the state petroleum company have been dismissed.

Seychelles authorities are currently probing suspected gas attacks in the Indian Ocean island nation, prompting the closure of parliament, the Supreme Court, and several schools earlier this week. Internal Affairs Minister Errol Fonseka informed Parliament on Wednesday that a reward of 100,000 Seychellois Rupees ($7,425) is being offered for credible information on the gas's source.

Health centers have reported at least 353 cases, including children, experiencing symptoms such as headaches, itching, and stomach pains, though it's unclear if these cases are widespread. President Wavel Ramkalawan, currently attending an international ocean conference in Greece, expressed sympathy for the affected individuals, particularly the children who fell ill after inhaling the unidentified substance.

The first case was reported last week at Perseverance Secondary School in the capital, Victoria, where a strong odor disrupted learning before more cases were confirmed by the Disaster and Risk Management Division (DRMD).

Initial concerns of an accidental discharge from the state petroleum company have since been ruled out.

"There are no agencies that use chemicals in their operations such as Seypec (Seychelles Petroleum Company) who have reported having an accidental discharge," said Fonseka.

"We are now treating this as a criminal case... all indications point to criminality. I also want to inform the national assembly that the police is intensifying its work on all levels," the minister is quoted as saying by the national news agency.

He stated that the suspected attacks were primarily intended to spread fear.

The main opposition party, United Seychelles, has urged for decisive actions to apprehend those responsible for the suspected gas attacks.

"We sincerely hope that the individuals responsible for these heinous acts will be apprehended and brought to justice the soonest," it stated.