Nearly 60 CIT Kokrajhar students fall ill after hostel dinner

More than 50 students of the Gambari Sikhla Girls’ Hostel of the Central Institute of Technology (CIT), Kokrajhar, reportedly fell ill after having dinner on Saturday night, raising concerns over food safety and hygiene at the institute.

The affected students have been undergoing treatment at Kokrajhar Medical College and Hospital (KMCH), Besorgaon, since late Saturday night. According to doctors, the students showed symptoms consistent with food poisoning, including stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting. They are currently reported to be out of danger.

Following the incident, two senior officers of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) rank from the Kokrajhar district administration held a meeting with CIT authorities on Sunday to review the situation.

Kokrajhar Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Chakravarty told the media that serving poor-quality and unhygienic food at the CIT hostel was not acceptable. He said appropriate action would be taken against those responsible for supplying the food and the concerned authorities.

The district administration has also issued a show-cause notice to CIT Kokrajhar. The Deputy Commissioner said a magisterial-level inquiry may also be ordered, if necessary.

Students have reportedly complained several times in the past about the alleged poor quality and unhygienic food served in both the boys’ and girls’ hostels. They have now alleged that no satisfactory action was taken despite earlier complaints.

According to reports, more than 50 girls staying at the Gambari Sikhla Girls’ Hostel developed stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting after having dinner on Saturday night. Many of them were taken to KMCH between late Saturday night and Sunday morning for treatment.

Worried parents from different places also reached KMCH after learning about the incident.

One of the affected students said dinner was served at around 10:15 pm on Saturday. The meal reportedly consisted of rice, potato and paneer mixed-vegetable curry, fried items and pakoras. She said that around 20 minutes after eating, several students began experiencing stomach pain, diarrhoea and vomiting, while some became weak.

The students were subsequently taken to KMCH, where they received medical treatment, including intravenous fluids.

The student, who said she is now in stable condition, alleged that students had previously found insects and what appeared to be pieces of iron-like material in the food. She further alleged that hostel food charges had been increased even though the quality of food remained poor.

According to the student, complaints had earlier been made to hostel authorities and the warden, but no satisfactory action was taken.

The incident has raised concerns over food quality and safety at CIT Kokrajhar. With the district administration issuing a show-cause notice and considering a magisterial inquiry, attention is now focused on the findings of the investigation and action against those found responsible.