Telangana Human Rights Commission orders probe into Dharmavaram hostel food poisoning

HYDERABAD:The State Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognisance of reports that 55 students of the Government BC Welfare Boys Hostel in Dharmavaram village, Erravalli mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal district, fell ill after dinner on October 31, 2025.

According to a report in Sakshi Telugu Daily (Hyderabad edition, Page 14), several students experienced dizziness and vomiting between 9 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. Hostel staff alerted authorities and, with help from the local police led by sub-inspector Murali of Kodandapuram police station, shifted the students to the Government Hospital in Gadwal using ambulances.

Medical officers said the students showed symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea and vomiting. About 20 doctors were treating the affected students, and two were reported to have developed breathing difficulties. Hostel authorities said the dinner menu included rice, sambar, cauliflower and eggs.

Imanvi to Vaishnavi Chaitanya, list of Social media stars turned actors in Tollywood

The Commission observed that, if true, the incident pointed to serious lapses in food safety, hygiene and supervision at a government welfare hostel housing minors, raising human rights concerns related to their right to life, health and safety.

It has directed the Chief Secretary to the Telangana government to conduct an inquiry and submit a comprehensive report before the next hearing, covering:

1. Circumstances leading to the incident,

2. Health status of the students and treatment provided,

3. Medical findings and cause of food poisoning,

4. Action taken against those found negligent, and

5. Measures to ensure food safety and hygiene in all government welfare hostels.