BBAU Lucknow student’s death sparks protests against hostel food, curfew; proctor denies link

Students at Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University (BBAU), Lucknow, have been on protest ever since a first-year student died earlier this week, after a suspected case of food poisoning. Linking her death to poor-quality hostel food, students accused the administration of ignoring repeated complaints, a charge the university has denied.

Students said a second-semester student enrolled in an integrated BSc-MSc course and residing in Yashodhara Girls Hostel of BBAU Lucknow, fell ill after consuming hostel food and died on April 28. Students said they had been complaining about poor-quality food for months, but no action was taken. Protests broke out on Wednesday night and still continues.

“Students have repeatedly found insects in the hostel food and many girls have fallen sick with symptoms of food poisoning. We submitted applications to wardens, approached the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), and even met the Vice Chancellor (VC), but the administration ignored our concerns,” said Vanshika Chaubey, an MTech Software Engineering student and resident of Chitralekha Girls Hostel.

She also raised concerns about medical care and hostel restrictions. “Even the university health centre does not provide proper treatment. Students are routinely given the same basic medicines regardless of their condition,” she said. “Because of the 8 pm curfew in girls’ hostels, we are forced to eat only hostel food and cannot order anything from outside, unlike boys who have more freedom.”

Ambedkar University Lucknow: Hostel curfew

In a memorandum addressed to the vice-chancellor, students have demanded an FIR against the mess contractor, DSW and security in-charge, along with their resignation. They have also sought compensation for the student’s family, including a government job for one member. Other demands include scrapping the mandatory mess policy, ending girls’ hostel curfew timings, and forming an independent committee of professors and students to monitor food, water and sanitation. Students said the protest will continue until these demands are met and that no action should be taken against those participating.

Students protest on the BBAU campus in Lucknow after a student’s death, demanding accountability over hostel food. (Image: By special arrangement)

“After the student’s death, when we began protesting and demanding accountability, police and guards, including male personnel, used force against girls. We are being prevented from protesting and even from holding peaceful gatherings like a candle march,” Chaubey added.

The university administration, however, disputed these claims, stating that the student had left campus days before her death and may have had prior health issues.

University proctor Ram Chandra said, “The student had left the campus on the 20th and passed away on the 26th. From what we understand, she was already unwell. Food poisoning typically shows symptoms like vomiting and diarrhoea within 24 hours, so it is not certain that her condition was caused by hostel food. She was admitted to a hospital in Varanasi, her hometown, which suggests she may have had prior health issues.”

‘Contractor warned’: BBAU Lucknow proctor

Chandra also alleged that the protests were driven by misinformation. “After students came to know about her death, they linked it to food poisoning and began protesting. Unfortunately, the situation escalated, and some individuals even damaged property near the vice-chancellor’s residence. This kind of reaction is not appropriate,” he said.

Responding to concerns about hostel conditions, he said complaints had been addressed earlier. “Around 20–25 days ago, after receiving complaints, the contractor was warned and instructed to make improvements.”

He added that the administration has forwarded students’ demands to the vice chancellor. “The proctorial team has discussed the matter, and it has been decided that if any lapse is found on the part of the contractor, DSW or wardens, necessary changes will be made. Steps will also be taken to improve food quality and ensure proper drinking water facilities,” he said.

Denying allegations of police using force to disperse students, the proctor said, “No such action took place. When I reached the spot, the crowd had already gathered in large numbers and some had broken gates and entered restricted areas. We tried to control the situation, but due to the size of the crowd, it was difficult to manage immediately.”