Over 30 MANIT Bhopal Students Fall Ill Due to Suspected Food Poisoning
Incident Overview
On April 13, 2025, over 30 students at Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, reported symptoms consistent with food poisoning after consuming meals at the Boys Hostel-4 mess. The affected students, mainly first-year residents, experienced vomiting, stomach aches, and headaches. Several were admitted to Sharda Hospital, while others received care from resident doctors and partner hospitals. All are currently in stable condition.
Student Concerns and Administrative Response
Students have raised recurring concerns over the quality of food served in the hostel mess, stating that previous complaints yielded no substantial improvements. In response, MANIT's Public Relations Officer, Rahul Tiwari, acknowledged the reports and confirmed that medical assistance was provided promptly.
Investigation and Safety Measures
The Food Safety Administration conducted an inspection of the mess and collected six food samples — open rice, tuar dal, flour, gram flour, paneer, and cooked vegetables — for laboratory analysis. The investigation is ongoing and results are awaited to confirm the source of contamination.
Broader Context
This incident is part of a series of food poisoning cases reported in educational institutions across India:
- In October 2024, over 50 female students from Puranmal Lahoti Government Polytechnic, Latur, Maharashtra, were hospitalized after eating dinner at the hostel mess. They reported nausea and vomiting but were discharged after treatment.
- In April 2023, at least 20 female students from a private university in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, fell ill due to alleged food poisoning. Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain after consuming canteen food.
Sources
- Times of India
- Bhaskar English
- Free Press Journal
- Kalinga TV
