Ravenshaw University hostel scare: Over 15 students admitted to SCB after falling sick

Over 15 students of Ravenshaw University’s East Hostel reportedly showed symptoms of vomiting and loose motion on Wednesday morning, triggering panic among inmates and prompting an immediate medical response. The affected students have been admitted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where they are currently under medical supervision. Their condition is said to be stable.

According to sources, the students began feeling unwell after consuming meals served in the hostel on Tuesday night.

 “We were served egg tadka, roti, and bhaji at dinner. After consuming the food, several students started vomiting and complained of loose motion. Later in the night, more students showed similar symptoms,” said Biswajit Mohalik, an inmate of the East Hostel.

He further alleged that poor drinking water facilities may have contributed to the incident. 

“The water purifiers in the hostel are in a very poor state. Most of them are not working, and there is a drinking water problem,” Mohalik added.

Hostel authorities, however, have downplayed the possibility of mass food poisoning. 

“So far, 15 students have been admitted to the hospital. Although some claimed they had vomited, the attending doctor said none showed symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea after admission,” said Sarat Kumar Rout, Warden of the East Hostel.

“I spoke to one student who said he had vomited three times. There are around 180 students in the hostel, but only 15 reported such symptoms. If it were a case of food poisoning, more students would likely have been affected,” Rout added.

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The university administration has not yet issued an official statement on the incident. However, health officials are investigating whether contaminated food or water was responsible. Authorities have advised other hostel inmates to take precautionary measures as the situation continues to be monitored.