States » EastPosted at: Oct 12 2026 8:06PM


Bengal: 44 inmates fall ill at Murshidabad girls’ hostel; cook detained

Kolkata, Oct 12 (UNI) At least 44 inmates of a government-run girls’ hostel near Textile College More in Berhampore, Murshidabad, fell ill after experiencing dizziness, nausea, vomiting sensations and persistent dryness of the throat, triggering concern among students and parents on Monday.
Police have detained a cook for questioning following allegations that a narcotic substance was mixed with food served at the hostel.
The trouble reportedly began on Saturday night after the inmates had dinner. Several students developed similar symptoms, initially raising suspicions of food poisoning. Security guards subsequently took the affected students to Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital, where some of them were admitted for treatment.
However, the incident took a serious turn after several inmates alleged that a substance with intoxicating properties had been mixed into the food. According to the students, the suspected substance was added to the paneer curry prepared for dinner.
The allegations gained momentum after CCTV footage from the hostel kitchen reportedly showed the cook adding something to a pan while preparing food. The students claimed that two inmates who had not eaten the paneer dish did not experience any symptoms.
Police have begun an investigation into the allegations and are examining the available evidence. A written complaint has been lodged at Berhampore police station by some of the hostel inmates. The detained cook is being questioned to establish what exactly happened and whether any substance was mixed into the food.
The incident prompted anxious parents to rush to the hostel after learning that their daughters had fallen ill.
A parent, said her daughter, a first-year mathematics student, had been staying at the hostel for barely a week and had been unwell since the night of October 10. She said her daughter was currently in hospital and that the family was deeply worried about her condition.
Another parent, BK Mandal, said his daughter had complained of persistent dizziness and nausea. He demanded a thorough investigation into the allegations after learning about the CCTV footage.
Meanwhile, parents questioned why the hostel authorities had not immediately informed the police.
The authorities maintained that their priority had been to ensure medical attention for the affected students, adding that they were also examining the allegations.
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Tags: #Bengal: 44 inmates fall ill at Murshidabad girls’ hostel; cook detained
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