Rudrapur: Over 100 students of Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology (GBPUAT), Pantnagar, fell ill after a suspected food poisoning incident at a hostel on Wednesday night. Two students whose condition worsened were referred to a private hospital in Rudrapur, while the others received treatment at the university hospital. Food samples have been collected for testing, and an investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause.
University sources told TOI that around 185 second-year engineering students reside in Patel Hostel, where the incident occurred. Nearly 150 of them had dinner at the mess on Wednesday. The meal included paneer for vegetarian students and chicken, naan, and rice for non-vegetarian students. Within an hour of eating, many students began experiencing vomiting, diarrhea, and severe stomach pain. Hostel authorities promptly rushed them to the university hospital.
Students, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that poor-quality ingredients were used in the mess and claimed they had previously raised complaints about food hygiene. They reported finding insects in food on earlier occasions, but no substantial corrective measures were taken.
Vice-Chancellor Shivendra Kumar Kashyap stated that the university administration is closely monitoring the situation and all affected students are receiving medical care. “The health and safety of students is our top priority. A detailed inquiry has been ordered, and strict action will be taken if any negligence is found,” he said.
