Hostel Food Quality Scam Triggers March to District Office

Students of a state‑run boys' school in Khondwa, Madhya Pradesh, staged a walkout on Friday after finding insects in the afternoon meal, prompting a march to the district collectorate. The protestors, holding their meal trays, accused the hostel management of repeatedly serving low‑quality food that does not adhere to the official menu.

According to the group, the contaminated dish was a lentil soup accompanied by rice, and similar lapses have been reported three to four times over the past month. Complaints lodged earlier, they say, failed to bring about any improvement.

The boys also alleged that kitchen workers sometimes report for duty while intoxicated and solicit money from students for alcoholic beverages. Those who declined allegedly received threats that false allegations would be filed against their families.

District magistrate Bajrang Bahadur announced the formation of a four‑member fact‑finding team, joined by the assistant commissioner of tribal affairs, to inspect the hostel, collect statements, and test the food. The administration assured that findings will guide appropriate punitive actions against any wrongdoing.