Around 40 first-year engineering students from Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology (MANIT), Bhopal, were reportedly affected by a suspected case of food poisoning over the weekend. The incident occurred in the H-4 hostel following Saturday’s lunch, with many students complaining of symptoms such as vomiting and stomach pain. Students who fell ill were promptly taken to Sharda Hospital in Aradhna Nagar (Nehru Nagar) on Saturday evening and Sunday morning. According to Dr. Umesh Sharda, MD of the hospital, “Twenty MANIT students were brought here for treatment. They had developed food poisoning on Saturday evening. They are undergoing treatment and will likely be discharged by Monday. Their condition is stable and improving.”
While students estimate that nearly 40 individuals were affected, the MANIT administration has downplayed the numbers, confirming only 15 cases. “About 15 students complained of stomach ache. Our resident doctors gave them medication, and some were sent to hospitals for further treatment. We are investigating the issue in the students' mess,” said Rahul Tiwari, Public Relations Officer at MANIT. The students reportedly consumed aloo-paratha and aloo sabzi for their meals on Saturday. Several students suspect that the potatoes served may have been of poor quality, potentially leading to contamination due to the summer heat. In response, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) visited the MANIT mess and collected six food samples for testing. Items collected include rice, tuar dal, flour, gram flour, cooked sabzi, and cooked rice. The FDA team noted that several ingredients were stored loosely in the kitchen, raising concerns over hygiene and food safety standards. The MANIT administration has assured a thorough probe into the incident. Results of the FDA’s investigation are awaited.