Students at a government-run college in Telangana were met with an appalling sight in their hostel kitchen on Wednesday night, after discovering that a temporary watchman had allegedly slept with his leg inside a vessel containing freshly cooked rice. The incident, captured on video and widely circulated on social media, has raised serious concerns about hygiene, food safety, and oversight in government hostels.
Students find watchman asleep inside kitchen
The disturbing scene unfolded at the Government Polytechnic College hostel in Sangareddy when students walked into the dining hall to have their dinner. Instead of the usual routine, they found a man sprawled on a kitchen slab, apparently in a deep sleep, with his right leg submerged in a large pot of rice meant for the students’ meal.
According to students, the man was a temporary watchman assigned to the premises. They immediately informed the food contractor responsible for supplying meals to the hostel after witnessing the shocking sight.
A 28-second viral video shows the man lying on his back, moving slightly in his sleep, before pulling his right leg out of the vessel. Students said the watchman appeared to be intoxicated at the time of the incident.
Video triggers outrage and swift action
The video sparked widespread disgust online, with many users questioning how such a lapse in basic hygiene and supervision could occur in a government institution housing hundreds of students.
Soon after the incident came to light, Sangareddy District Collector and Magistrate P Pravinya issued immediate orders to remove the temporary watchman from duty. Officials said further action would be taken after a detailed inquiry into the food supply arrangements and hostel management practices.
Authorities are also expected to review the procedures followed by contractors and hostel staff, especially regarding access to kitchen areas and monitoring during meal preparation.
Concerns over food safety in government hostels
The incident has fuelled fresh debate about the quality and safety of food served in many government-run hostels and educational institutions. Students have previously raised concerns about inadequate supervision, unhygienic kitchens, and lack of accountability among staff and contractors.
Parents’ associations and student groups have demanded stricter regulations, dedicated kitchen supervisors, and periodic inspections to prevent such incidents.
Students seek improved monitoring
Residents of the hostel told local media that this incident reflects a larger issue of mismanagement and poor oversight. They stressed the need for the authorities to ensure proper food handling practices and to restrict unauthorised persons from entering kitchen areas.
The district administration has assured students that corrective measures will be implemented without delay.
Conclusion
The shocking discovery has once again highlighted the need for stringent monitoring of hostel kitchens and a robust accountability system. With the video causing widespread public outrage, officials have promised swift corrective action to ensure that such lapses do not recur. Students, meanwhile, hope that this disturbing episode will lead to lasting improvements in hostel hygiene and safety standards.