A shocking incident at a university canteen in Bhopal has triggered widespread outrage after students alleged that a dead lizard was found in their food, only for a staff member to dismiss the claim in a bizarre manner.
Viral video fuels anger among students
The incident reportedly took place on March 18 at the canteen of Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV). According to students, they noticed an unusual object in a vegetable dish while eating and suspected it to be a dead lizard.
When the matter was brought to the attention of the canteen staff, the situation escalated further. In a move that stunned those present, a staff member allegedly picked up the object and ate it, claiming it was merely a piece of capsicum.
A video capturing the moment has since gone viral on social media, drawing sharp reactions and concern over food safety standards. However, the authenticity of the claim in the video has not been independently verified.
University orders probe into incident
Following the uproar, the university administration stepped in and constituted a committee to investigate the matter. Authorities stated that student health and safety remain a top priority and assured that strict action would be taken if negligence is confirmed.
RGPV Director Sudhir Bhadoria emphasised that the institution is committed to maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring the well-being of students on campus.
Canteen operator denies allegations
Meanwhile, the canteen operator has denied all allegations, maintaining that the item in question was indeed capsicum and not a lizard. The conflicting claims have further intensified the controversy, leaving students demanding accountability and transparency.
Food safety concerns resurface
The incident has once again highlighted growing concerns around food hygiene in public spaces. In a separate case reported recently, a dead lizard was allegedly found inside an ice cream product, prompting authorities to take action against the manufacturer for lapses in hygiene.
Such incidents underline the urgent need for strict monitoring, quality checks, and accountability to ensure consumer safety, especially in institutional settings where large numbers of students rely on canteen facilities.