Published Feb 09, 2026 | 10:50 AM ⚊ Updated Feb 09, 2026 | 10:50 AM
92 students were affected by suspected food poisoning in Andhra Pradesh government hostel.
Synopsis: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered departmental and criminal proceedings against the staff responsible for a food poisoning incident at a tribal welfare hostel in the Anakapalli district. According to official sources, about 92 students complained of unease, severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Sunday, 8 February, ordered departmental and criminal proceedings against the staff responsible for a food poisoning incident at a government tribal welfare hostel in the Anakapalli district.
Several students of the Ashram Boys Hostel in Devarapalli are under treatment at Maredumilli and Rampachodavaram area hospitals following symptoms of food poisoning.
According to official sources, about 92 students complained of unease, severe stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhoea, and later in the day developed fever after they had idlis for breakfast on Saturday and were admitted to hospitals. Some of them were discharged on Sunday following improvement in their condition.
Naidu directed the officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the students under treatment.
The hostel accommodates approximately 277 boys from Classes VI to X under the Tribal Welfare Department. Symptoms began appearing by Saturday afternoon. The authorities shifted the affected students to nearby medical facilities.
Medical teams described the cases as mild food poisoning, with no reports of serious or critical conditions. All students were reported to be stable, and many received intravenous fluids, anti-emetics and supportive care.
A special medical camp was set up at the hostel to monitor the remaining inmates and provide on-site treatment, particularly for those with persistent diarrhoea.
At a review of the situation with officials, the chief minister said accountability must be with the staff. He also instructed officials to submit a comprehensive report to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) by Monday, detailing the cause, preventive measures and the ongoing health status of the students. Continuous monitoring of the students’ condition was mandated.
Meanwhile, medical investigations are in progress to ascertain the exact source of contamination. Improper food preparation, inadequate hygiene during cooking or storage-related issues are suspected. Following the outbreak, hostel staff switched to safer alternatives such as curd rice for subsequent meals to avoid further risk.
(Edited by Muhammed Fazil.)
