Two Pune Hostel Inmates’ Deaths Spark Outcry Amid Allegations Of Negligence
Two Pune Hostel Inmates' Deaths Spark Outcry Amid Allegations Of Negligence
In a tragic turn of events at the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Boys Hostel in Pune, two inmates recently succumbed to suspected cases of dengue and jaundice, sparking allegations of negligence against the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and hostel administration. The students’ organizations have criticized the civic authorities, blaming unhygienic conditions and administrative apathy for the untimely deaths.
The hostel, housing around 100 students on Ghole Road, allegedly suffers from severe cleanliness issues, with students reporting rampant mosquito breeding due to stagnant water. Despite repeated complaints, they claim that their concerns were disregarded by authorities. According to student leaders, the hostel’s infrastructure is dilapidated, with leaking roofs posing a threat of collapse.
Student organizations, including the Maharashtra Navnirman Vidyarthi Sena (MNSVS), have demanded immediate action, calling for the suspension of the deputy commissioner of the social development department and the hostel’s rector. They urge financial compensation of Rs 10 lakh for each bereaved family and strict punitive measures against responsible officials for what they term “culpable homicide”.
“The hostel officials have been dismissive and arrogant towards us,” voiced a concerned inmate anonymously. “Even after inspections, temporary fixes did little to improve our living conditions,” they added.
Prashant Kanojia, MNSVS’s state convenor, emphasized the urgency of relocating students to safer accommodations, proposing the mayor’s bungalow as an alternative. “This hostel, nearly 50 years old, poses a serious risk to the lives of students statewide,” Kanojia stressed.
He said after the matter was brought under the notice of the PMC, a medical team was arranged for the students for their health check-up. While the medical was going on, another six students were found ill. They are being treated by the PMC health department now.
As the outcry intensifies, authorities are under mounting pressure to address the systemic issues plaguing the hostel and provide immediate relief to the affected families.
