📷 Image Credits: NDTV
A shocking incident unfolded at a government engineering college in Banka, Bihar last week, leaving students in uproar. Ten students had to be rushed to the hospital after a dead snake was reportedly discovered in their mess food. The students, who had been facing ongoing issues with the quality of the food, were taken to the hospital with complaints of food poisoning. Fortunately, the students have since recovered and are in good health.
The situation escalated as the students alleged that they had raised concerns about the food quality multiple times in the past but were met with indifference. A third-year student, Sunny Mahto, expressed the students’ frustrations by stating, “We have been facing issues with food (quality) at the mess. But they crossed the limit this time. A snake was found in the food. No one can tolerate this.” The students also claimed that the college staff had threatened them when they tried to protest the incident.
Furthermore, it was revealed that the college’s mess is managed by a private contractor. The food quality concerns extended to the girls’ mess as well, as pointed out by a student named Ayushi. She disclosed that during a previous inspection, a substantial amount of expired food was found. Students shared that the hostel rules necessitate consuming the mess food, and failure to do so or keep mess charges unpaid could result in being barred from taking exams.
In response to the incident, the district administration has launched an investigation. This is not the first time a food-related complaint has been reported at the college, prompting District Magistrate Anshul Kumar to reassure that strict action will be taken against those found responsible. Sub Divisional Officer (SDO) Avinash Kumar and Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Vinod Kumar visited the college to appeal to the students to remain calm amidst the turmoil.
As the investigation proceeds, concerns over food safety and hygiene standards at the college have been raised. The incident has stirred outrage among students, parents, and the local community, underscoring the importance of maintaining stringent food quality controls at educational institutions.
