Cuttack, Oct 29: At least 15 students from Ravenshaw University were admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital here in Odisha on Wednesday following a suspected case of food poisoning. The incident has raised fresh concerns over hostel food safety, especially after a similar episode earlier this year.

Students Fall Ill After Dinner

According to the sources, the affected students began vomiting and experienced diarrhoea after consuming dinner at the East Hostel on Tuesday night. The meal reportedly included egg tadka, roti, and bhaji. As the night progressed, more students developed similar symptoms.

Water Purifier Under Scrutiny

Some students alleged that the illness may have been caused by contaminated water from a hostel purifier. However, university authorities denied the claim, stating that both water and food samples have been sent for laboratory testing to determine the cause.

Medical Observation and Response

Hostel warden Sarat Kumar Rout said that all affected students are under medical observation, and their condition is stable. Health Department officials and the Cuttack Municipal Corporation’s food safety unit have inspected the hostel and its canteen, collecting samples for analysis.

Previous Incident in July

This is not the first such case at Ravenshaw University. In July, 32 students from the New PG Hostel and Dharmapada Hostel were hospitalised after allegedly consuming stale fish curry. That incident led to the removal of several hostel officials, including the then chief warden.