The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has initiated a thorough investigation into a recent food poisoning outbreak at the Government BC Welfare Hostel in Dharmavaram, Jogulamba Gadwal district. This decisive action follows concerning reports published in a local daily highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 31, saw a staggering 55 male students become severely ill after consuming meals provided at the hostel. The affected students reported a range of distressing symptoms, including dizziness, intense stomach aches, and persistent vomiting. Alarmingly, two of the students also experienced shortness of breath, indicating the serious nature of their condition.
Highlighting what it described as “serious lapses in food safety, hygiene, and supervision,” the SHRC has issued a directive to the Chief Secretary to conduct an immediate inquiry and submit a comprehensive report. The Commission’s demands include a detailed explanation of the circumstances that led to the incident, an update on the current health condition of all affected students and the quality of treatment provided, official medical findings outlining the causes of the food poisoning, information on any punitive actions taken against individuals found negligent, and a clear outline of measures being implemented to ensure stringent food safety and hygiene standards across all government welfare hostels in the future.