Varanasi: Tension gripped the Banaras Hindu University campus on Wednesday after students allegedly discovered a lizard in food prepared for lunch at the Dalmia Hostel mess, triggering protests and chaos inside the hostel premises.Soon after receiving information about the incident, dean of students Prof Ranjan Kumar Singh, administrative warden Prof Rajiv Bhatla and chief proctor Prof Sandeep Pokharia rushed to the hostel and attempted to calm the students, who raised slogans and created a commotion over the issue.University officials immediately arranged an ambulance and medical assistance from the Students’ Health Centre as a precautionary measure. Students who had already consumed the food were promptly taken for emergency medical examination. According to varsity officials, no serious health complications were detected among the students during the medical check-up.Taking serious note of the incident, the university and hostel authorities ordered the immediate closure of the mess and canteen until further orders. The administration also advised students to promptly inform wardens or university officials in case anyone experiences any health-related issue.University officials said the hostel administration remains fully committed to ensuring the safety, well-being and health of all students on the campus.Earlier, chaos erupted at the hostel after students allegedly spotted a lizard in the food being served at the mess, triggering protests against the mess management and university administration.Angry students termed the incident a grave threat to their health and accused the administration of ignoring repeated complaints regarding poor food quality and unhygienic conditions in the mess.Students alleged that incidents involving insects and unhygienic food had been reported several times in the past as well, but no concrete steps were taken to improve cleanliness standards or the quality of meals being served.Warning of intensified protests, the students said they would be forced to launch an agitation if the mess management system was not improved at the earliest.on.
