Complaint To NHRC Over Food Poisoning At BC Gurukul

National BC Dal president and advocate Dundra Kumara Swamy today lodged a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) over a food poisoning incident at the BC Gurukul Girls' Hostel in Manuguru of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.

He appealed to the NHRC to treat the issue with urgency and ensure justice for the affected students and also strengthen the safeguards to protect the rights and well-being of children studying in residential institutions.

According to Swamy, about 15 girl students fell ill after consuming food served at the hostel and were shifted to a nearby government hospital with symptoms such as stomach pain and vomiting.

Calling the incident deeply disturbing, he alleged negligence by the officials responsible for ensuring food safety and proper monitoring in residential institutions. Providing safe and nutritious food in government-run Gurukul institutions was a basic responsibility of the administration, and the incident violated the students' right to life and right to health guaranteed under the Constitution, he said.

In his complaint, Swamy urged the Commission to order an independent inquiry and take strict action against the officials responsible, including suspending them if necessary. He also demanded the formation of a special monitoring committee to conduct inspections across Gurukul hostels to ensure food quality, hygiene and student safety, to prevent such incidents in the future.