Food hygiene has long been a contentious issue among students at Rajiv Gandhi Proudyogiki Vishwavidyalaya (RGPV) in Bhopal, India. On March 18, 2023, this concern escalated dramatically when students claimed to have discovered what they alleged was a lizard in their meal during lunch hour at the campus canteen in Gandhinagar. The incident quickly gained traction on social media, with a video of the meal going viral.
In the video, a thali containing dal, sabzi, and roti was shown, with an unusual object that sparked outrage among students. Eyewitnesses reported their horror as a canteen worker consumed the suspected lizard, insisting it was merely a piece of capsicum. “Yeh toh shimla mirchi ka tukda hai,” the worker claimed, attempting to downplay the situation.
Students were understandably alarmed, with one exclaiming, “Bhai saab, yeh kya hai, dekh lo,” as they demanded immediate action. The canteen operator, however, denied the allegations, asserting that no lizard had been served. Despite this, the incident raised significant concerns about the overall hygiene standards of food served on campus.
In response to the uproar, RGPV announced the formation of an inquiry committee to investigate the matter further. The university’s director reassured students that their health would not be compromised, emphasizing the importance of maintaining food safety standards. Observers noted that this incident has put the spotlight back on the hygiene of hostel food, a topic that has been debated among students for some time.
As the investigation unfolds, students have called for the canteen to be shut down until a thorough review is completed. The canteen worker’s assertion that the object was a piece of capsicum was met with skepticism, especially after students described the object as having characteristics that resembled a lizard, with one stating, “Yeh pahu hai iske. Chipkali hai, uski aankh nikal rahi thi.”
The incident has not only raised questions about food hygiene at RGPV but has also sparked discussions about the broader implications for student safety and health on campus. With the inquiry committee now in place, many are eager to see what measures will be implemented to prevent such incidents in the future.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact nature of the object found in the meal, but the incident has certainly left a lasting impact on the student community, highlighting the urgent need for improved food safety protocols at educational institutions.
