Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: More than 50 students of the Puranmal Lahoti Govt Polytechnic in Latur, approximately 260 km from here, were hospitalised on Saturday night due to a suspected case of food poisoning. The affected students, all of them girls, were taken to the local Vilasrao Deshmukh Govt Medical College and Hospital for medical aid and were discharged by Sunday afternoon after their condition became stable.
The girls had had dinner at their hostel mess around 7.30 pm, and some of them started complaining of vomiting and nausea within two hours. Hospital dean Dr Uday Mohite said around 170 students were shifted for medical aid using ambulances after the polytechnic authorities sought help.
"Upon health check-up of all students, a total of 53 students were given IV medicines. All of them were experiencing a vomiting sensation, and some of them had vomited multiple times," he said. Mohite said the affected students gradually became stable and were released in batches. "The FDA has collected food samples from the mess. The exact reason for the food poisoning will be ascertained after the report comes in," he said.
Latur Congress MP Dr Shivaji Kalge, who visited the hospital to see the students, said: "It is a serious incident in Latur, which is known as an educational hub. A thorough inquiry is needed."
Hailed as one of the oldest govt polytechnics in Marathwada, Puranmal Lahoti Govt Polytechnic in Latur has an intake capacity of 480 students and has five hostels, including three for girls. When contacted, polytechnic superintendent Surajmal Jaiganesha said students from only one girls' hostel suffered suspected food poisoning. "We have ordered improved quality checks and hygiene levels at all our hostels. The safety of students is of paramount importance, and it will not be compromised in future," he said.
