Hyderabad: At least fifteen students from the ST hostel in Bhimnagar, located in the Gadwal constituency, fell ill on Monday after suspected food poisoning. The hostel had 128 students, and several children developed symptoms soon after breakfast.
Staff rushed the affected students to the Gadwal Government Area Hospital, and doctors began treatment at once. They monitored children who showed stronger signs of discomfort. Students said they drank Boost in the morning and later ate upma. They also alleged that insects appeared in the upma, and they linked their illness to that contamination.
Because the hostel warden ignored routine checks on food quality, contaminated items entered the kitchen. His lapse exposed the students to unsafe food. Meanwhile, Hospital Superintendent Srinivas said doctors were providing proper medical care and continued to review the students’ condition.
Parents alarmed as food poisoning cases rise in the district
The food poisoning incident increased concern among parents across the district, and many families grew anxious about recurring health problems among hostel students. Several parents said the repeated illnesses revealed serious gaps in food supervision. Moreover, they argued that the events demonstrated long-standing negligence.
Doctors confirmed that all students were stable. Even so, parents demanded strict action against those responsible for food safety lapses. They also sought regular inspections of every hostel to prevent further incidents. Consequently, their demands created additional pressure on local officials.
District authorities planned a review of hostel conditions after repeated food poisoning episodes unsettled students. Although hospital staff promised continued monitoring, parents insisted on long-term solutions to protect their children. As a result, the issue gained wider attention across the district.