Students protest at BBAU against ‘poor’ food quality

Lucknow: Students of Dr Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University staged overnight protest outside V-C’s residence on campus alleging poor-quality food served in girls’ hostel caused death of a BSc student on Wednesday. The deceased was second-semester Integrated BSc-MSc student inmate BBAU's Yashodhara Girls’ Hostel.

She received treatment at the university health centre, but her condition did not improve. Her family took her home, where she was admitted to a hospital and later died.

“She was diagnosed with food poisoning and died and we demand action against hostel and university officials,” said student Palak Maurya.

University administration said the student had complained of fever on Apr 20 around 3 pm and was taken to the university health centre, where she was examined, prescribed medicines and advised follow-up care if needed. Officials said she informed her local guardian and applied for leave from Apr 20 to Apr 30 before leaving campus for her home in Varanasi.

“Not a single complaint about food quality has been received since Apr 20,” said Rachna Gangwar, BBAU spokesperson.

The university expressed condolence to the bereaved family and said a committee had been formed to investigate the student’s death and events during the Apr 28 protest.