Hostel food hygiene has been a topic of debate among students at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Bhopal. The issue has resurfaced dramatically following a disturbing incident on March 18, 2023, when students alleged they found what appeared to be a lizard in their meal during lunch hour at the campus canteen in Gandhinagar.
The situation escalated when a canteen worker reportedly consumed the suspicious object, claiming it was merely a piece of capsicum. Eyewitnesses expressed horror at the staff member’s actions, with one student exclaiming, “Bhai saab, yeh kya hai, dekh lo.” Another student remarked, “Yeh pahu hai iske. Chipkali hai, uski aankh nikal rahi thi,” indicating their disbelief at the canteen’s response.
A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, prompting immediate reactions from the student body. Many students have demanded that the canteen be shut down until a thorough investigation is completed. Concerns about food hygiene on campus have been reignited, with students expressing their fears over the safety of their meals.
In response to the uproar, RGPV announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the claims. The canteen operator has denied the allegations of serving a lizard, insisting that the object in question was indeed capsicum. The staff member involved reiterated this claim in front of witnesses, stating, “Shimla mirch hai yaar.” However, the students remain unconvinced.
The university’s director has assured students that their health will not be compromised, emphasizing the importance of food safety on campus. As the inquiry unfolds, observers are closely monitoring the situation, with many calling for stricter food hygiene regulations in university canteens.
This incident has not only raised alarms about food safety at RGPV but has also sparked a broader conversation about hygiene standards in educational institutions across India. The outcome of the inquiry may set a precedent for how such issues are addressed in the future.
Details remain unconfirmed as the investigation is still ongoing, but the incident has certainly left a mark on the RGPV community, highlighting the critical need for vigilance regarding food hygiene.
