12 Engineering Students Hospitalized After Suspected Water Contamination at MMIT Pune Hostel; Negligence Alleged

Serious questions are being raised about student safety at Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s Institute of Technology (MMIT) in Lohgaon, Pune, after 12 female engineering students were hospitalized due to suspected water contamination inside the college hostel. What began as complaints about foul-smelling, yellowish water has now escalated into allegations of administrative negligence, suppression of medical reports, and intimidation.

Contaminated Water Complaints Ignored for Weeks

Students living in the hostel claim that the water supplied through the filtration system had been discolored and emitted a strong odor for several weeks. On February 10, matters took a disturbing turn when several students reportedly found black larvae floating in the water tank and even inside buckets.

Photographs and videos were captured and shown to the college authorities. Despite visual evidence and repeated complaints, the students allege that no concrete corrective measures were taken.

According to them, concerns about contaminated water had already been raised in January. At that time, the administration allegedly performed a superficial cleaning of the water tank but failed to replace the water filter. Students claim the filter was only replaced hurriedly after multiple girls fell ill.

When some students attempted to inspect the filter themselves, they were reportedly stopped and told they had no authority to question the administration.

Students Collapsed Inside Hostel Premises

The health impact was severe. Several students began experiencing dizziness and weakness, with some collapsing inside the hostel. Panic spread quickly as girls reportedly fainted while walking or talking.

A few days before the major incident, some students had independently visited a hospital for check-ups and received IV fluids. However, after returning to the hostel, their symptoms resurfaced.

Despite the seriousness of the situation and the fact that the campus is located in a relatively isolated area with limited transportation access, students allege that the college administration did not provide an ambulance or official vehicle. The affected students had to arrange private transport or rely on one another to reach Saishraddha Hospital in Lohgaon, where they are currently undergoing treatment.

Allegations of Withholding Medical Reports

Another serious allegation concerns access to medical information. While receiving treatment, students requested copies of their blood test reports. According to their statements, college staff informed them that the reports were with the administration and would be shared “at the appropriate time.”

Students argue that they have the right to know their medical condition, yet they were allegedly denied immediate access to their own health reports.

Claims of Pressure and Threats

The situation escalated further with claims that students were discouraged from speaking to the media or filing complaints with the police. The head of the student council was reportedly summoned and instructed not to disclose information externally. Some students allege they were warned of possible disciplinary action if they pursued formal complaints.

When contacted about the incident, Principal Rupesh Bhoratake stated that he was out of town when the situation came to light. He confirmed that an inquiry is underway and assured that appropriate action would be taken against those found responsible.

Names of the Hospitalized Students

The 12 students currently receiving treatment at Saishraddha Hospital, Lohgaon, are:

Shreni Mahadik (Chiplun)

Rupali Mahajan (Jalgaon)

Shrinidhi Gupta (Nagpur)

Sakshi Swami (Ahilyanagar)

Siddhi Umate (Latur)

Shreyash Irkar (Dharashiv)

Mansi Deshmukh (Parbhani)

Kunika Devalkar (Chandrapur)

Kamlesh Nikam (Chalisgaon)

Trupti Gavande (Sambhajinagar)

Pranaya Chavan (Karanja)

Samruddhi Hande (Junnar)

Growing Concerns Over Campus Safety

Parents and students alike are expressing anger over what they describe as a preventable crisis. With allegations ranging from ignored complaints to delayed action and restricted access to medical information, the incident has raised broader concerns about hostel infrastructure, water safety standards, and accountability within educational institutions.