10–15 girls fall ill over alleged contaminated food:Students claim insects found in hostel meals, parents protest

A protest erupted at Madhur Girls Hostel in Indore’s South Tukoganj area over allegations of contaminated food being served to residents. The issue came to light after the health of 10 to 15 students reportedly deteriorated. The students alleged that insects, bugs and long strands of hair were being found in meals served at the hostel mess. After videos and photographs related to the incident went viral on social media, parents rushed to the hostel and staged a strong protest. Following the uproar, a Food Department team reached the hostel on Saturday to inspect the mess and investigate the allegations. According to information, several students have fallen ill over the past week, prompting their families to admit them to different hospitals. However, the hostel management claimed that the students who became ill had been ordering food from outside, while all students who regularly ate food from the hostel mess remained completely healthy. Students’ allegation – Cigarette pieces, insects and hair found in rice Students staying at the hostel alleged that the kitchen is located right next to a chamber (sewer pit), and food is prepared amid unhygienic conditions. Making serious allegations, the students said, “We have been living through hell for the past month. Insects are coming out of the food. On two occasions, cigarette butts were found inside the rice.” They further alleged that finding stones and hair in the food had become a daily occurrence. According to the students, when they approached the management with complaints, they were asked to provide live proof of the contamination. Students suffered from liver and intestinal infections Displaying their medical reports, the students alleged that contaminated water had caused serious health problems. According to them, one student developed a severe throat infection and had to be admitted to Gokuldas Hospital. She is now reportedly forced to order packaged camper water from outside for drinking. The students further alleged that several girls had been suffering from continuous vomiting for the past three to four days. Many hostel residents have reportedly developed liver infections, stomach pain and intestinal infections. Food department team inspects kitchen cleanliness The inspection team examined the kitchen and checked cleanliness and hygiene standards. According to students present during the inspection, the team found shortcomings in sanitation and cleanliness inside the kitchen area. Officials collected information regarding food preparation and water supply arrangements as part of the inquiry. Allegations of contaminated water supply The students also alleged that contaminated water had been supplied in the hostel for several days. They claimed that unhygienic food and poor-quality water were continuously affecting their health and causing illness among residents. Parents reach hostel, demand investigation As soon as they learned about the matter, the students’ parents reached the hostel and expressed anger against the management. They demanded a thorough investigation by the Food Department and administrative authorities and sought strict action against those found responsible. Following the protest, a Food Department team arrived at the hostel to conduct an inspection and investigate the allegations.