At least 44 inmates of a government-run girls’ hostel in Murshidabad fell ill after eating dinner, prompting medical treatment, a police investigation and the detention of the hostel cook for questioning. The students reported dizziness, nausea, vomiting sensations and persistent dryness of the throat.
The trouble was reported after dinner on Saturday night, with several students initially suspected to be suffering from food poisoning. Security guards took the affected inmates to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where some were admitted for treatment.
The incident escalated after several students alleged that a substance with intoxicating properties had been mixed into the food. According to the students, the suspected substance was added to paneer curry prepared for dinner. Police have not established what the substance was, and the allegation remains part of the ongoing investigation.
The students’ claims gained significance after CCTV footage from the hostel kitchen reportedly showed the cook adding something to a pan while preparing the meal. The students also said that two inmates who had not eaten the paneer dish did not develop any symptoms. Police are examining the footage and other available evidence to determine whether any substance was mixed into the food.
Some hostel inmates have lodged a written complaint at Berhampore police station. The detained cook is being questioned to establish what happened and whether the food served to the students was contaminated. The report does not state whether laboratory testing of the food or medical samples has been completed.
The episode also raised questions about communication and emergency response at the hostel. Parents rushed to the facility after learning that their daughters had fallen ill. One parent said her daughter, a first-year mathematics student who had been staying at the hostel for barely a week, had been unwell since the night of 10 October and was in hospital. Another parent, BK Mandal, said his daughter had complained of persistent dizziness and nausea and demanded a thorough investigation after learning about the CCTV footage.
Parents also questioned why hostel authorities had not immediately informed the police. The authorities said their priority had been to secure medical attention for the affected students and added that they were examining the allegations. The police investigation and examination of the available evidence will determine whether the illness resulted from food contamination and whether criminal responsibility is established.
