Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Serious concerns have emerged over the health and safety of students at Utkal University in Bhubaneswar after a dead frog was allegedly found in food served at Ladies’ Hostel-7. The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday night when students discovered what appeared to be a dead frog in the chilli soybean curry served for dinner, triggering anger and panic among hostel residents.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over suspected jaundice cases on the university campus. Two female students have reportedly tested positive for jaundice, while blood samples of more than 10 other suspected cases have been sent for testing. Some students have also complained of symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. However, the exact cause of these illnesses is yet to be established.

Following the complaints, a special team from the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) visited the university and collected food and drinking water samples for laboratory testing. The findings are awaited and are expected to clarify whether contaminated food or water is responsible for the reported health concerns.

Meanwhile, the university administration has initiated precautionary measures to ensure students’ safety. Around 1,500 litres of purified drinking water have been arranged for the hostels, while boilers have been installed at different locations to provide hot water. All food shops operating on the campus have also been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

A 24-hour control room has been established to address students’ complaints and concerns. Health teams from the state Health Department and BMC are also conducting health checks among students.

University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Chandi Prasad Nanda said the complaint regarding the suspected presence of a foreign object in the food had been taken seriously. He clarified that an investigation is underway to establish whether the object was actually a frog or something else.

The Vice-Chancellor has directed the Registrar to visit all hostels and assess the situation. Hostel authorities have also been instructed to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard students.

The university administration has assured that further action will be taken based on the food and water testing reports. It is also considering long-term improvements to campus infrastructure to prevent such incidents and address the underlying concerns.

With students raising questions over food hygiene, drinking water quality and campus health facilities, attention is now focused on the investigation findings and the steps taken by the university authorities to restore confidence among hostel residents.