Students Welfare / Jaundice crisis deepens as dead frog found in Utkal University hostel meal

Bhubaneswar, Nov 4: Amid a growing jaundice outbreak at Utkal University, a fresh controversy has erupted after hostel inmates allegedly found a dead frog in a soy chilli dish served at Ladies' Hostel No. 7.

The incident has sparked widespread concern among students, many of whom are now questioning the quality and safety of food being served on campus.

According to students, the suspected contamination was discovered during dinner on Tuesday. Following the incident, many hostel residents refused to eat the food provided by the mess. Hostel authorities later supplied bread and jam to the students late at night as an alternative meal.

Also read: Jaundice scare grips Utkal University, hostels under health surveillance

The incident has intensified dissatisfaction among hostel inmates, who have alleged that unhygienic and substandard food has been served on multiple occasions in the past. Students claim repeated complaints have failed to bring about any lasting improvement.

In protest, residents of Ladies' Hostel No. 7 boycotted lunch on Wednesday and warned that they would continue their agitation until the existing mess management is replaced.

The controversy comes at a time when the university is already grappling with a jaundice outbreak. Students have pointed out that while restrictions have been imposed on bringing outside food into hostels, healthy and hygienic food is not being consistently provided within the campus itself. Some students have reportedly chosen to leave the hostel and return home due to health concerns.

In response, the university administration has swung into action. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Chandi Prasad Nanda confirmed that an inquiry has been launched to determine whether the object found in the food was indeed a frog. He said student safety remains the top priority and that all hostels have been alerted as a precautionary measure.

The university has also opened a 24-hour control room and temporarily shut down all food outlets operating within the campus.

Teams from the Health Department and the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation are conducting health screenings of students, while food and water samples from hostels have been sent for laboratory testing.