Dundra Kumaraswamy expresses outrage over Gadwal food poisoning incident – Complaint filed with State Human Rights Commission
"Students’ right to life must not be compromised in government hostels – Strict action against responsible officials and formation of a special monitoring committee are essential," said Advocate Dundra Kumaraswamy, National President of the BC Dal.
National BC Dal President and advocate Dundra Kumaraswamy strongly condemned the recent food poisoning incident at the BC Boys Hostel in Dharmavaram village, Erravalli Mandal, Jogulamba Gadwal district, where 110 students reportedly fell ill after consuming dinner. He said the incident reflects a gross failure and negligence of district administration and hostel management.
Kumaraswamy described the incident as “a clear violation of human rights,” stating that the presence of contaminated food in government-run hostels is a serious lapse in ensuring safety and dignity of students.
He said, “Officials have completely failed to maintain food quality, hygiene, and medical supervision in hostels. The system is functioning recklessly, putting even children’s lives at risk. The government must take immediate and strict action to prevent such incidents from recurring. The officers and hostel management responsible for this negligence should be suspended immediately.”
He further informed that he has filed an official online complaint with the Telangana State Human Rights Commission (TSHRC), terming the incident a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution – the Right to Life. He urged the Commission to take urgent suo motu action in this case.
Key Demands by Dundra Kumaraswamy:
1) Appointment of a senior-level officer to conduct an independent inquiry into the incident.
2) Direction to the BC Welfare and Social Welfare Departments to submit a detailed report on hostel conditions and accountability.
3) Strict disciplinary action against negligent officials and management.
4)Mandatory state-wide inspection of all hostels for food quality, hygiene, and safety standards.
5) Provision of compensation, medical care, and psychological counseling to the affected students and their families.
Kumaraswamy also demanded that the government constitute a special monitoring committee to ensure continuous supervision of food safety and student welfare in all residential hostels across the state.
He concluded, “The government must take full responsibility for the health, safety, and future of these students. Repeated incidents of food poisoning reveal a pattern of systemic negligence, tarnishing the image of public welfare institutions. The Human Rights Commission should initiate an immediate probe and recommend stringent action against those responsible.”