Bihar: Dead Snake Found In College Mess Food, 10 Students Hospitalised

A unusual incident occurred at a Government Engineering College in Bihar's Banka district, where 10 students were hospitalised due to food poisoning after a dead snake was allegedly found in their mess food.

The affected students reported to the hospital on Thursday night and have since recovered, said the the attending doctor.

The incident sparked outrage among the hostel students. They claim that when they protested about the incident, a college staff threatened them. The mess where the incident occurred is managed by a private contractor.

"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. Every time we raised this with the faculty, they tried to bury the issue," said Sunny Mahto, a third-year student.

As per the students, the food hygiene issue also pertains to the girls' mess, reported NDTV. One student, Ayushi, highlighted that food quality has been an ongoing issue.

"SDM sir had come for an inspection a long time back and 90% of the food was found to be expired. The rules are such that if one has to stay in the hostel, they must eat the mess food. If one does not eat mess food or keeps mess charges unpaid, they are barred from the exam," she said.

In response to the incident, the district administration has initiated an investigation. District Magistrate Anshul Kumar stated that there had been a previous food-related complaint at the college. After the earlier complaint, the administration had conducted an investigation and issued instructions to the college. Kumar assured that strict action would be taken against those responsible if the latest allegations are confirmed.

Sub Divisional Officer Avinash Kumar and Deputy Superintendent of Police Vinod Kumar visited the college on Friday evening, urging the students to remain calm as the investigation proceeds.