National Anchor News Network Team
Pune: Two students died prematurely from dengue and jaundice at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel on Ghole Road, run by the Municipal Corporation. Before being admitted to the hospital, both students were residing in the hostel. The first student, Sidhant Deepak Khaire, was in his first year at Sinhgad Engineering College. He suddenly started vomiting at 2 AM on Friday night and was diagnosed with jaundice. He passed away during treatment. The second student, Vedant Sonune, was in his second year of BA at Modern College. He began experiencing fever, vomiting, and headaches on August 1st and was admitted to Pune Hospital. He died on the afternoon of August 3rd during treatment.
Negligence of Hostel Administration
Students allege, on the condition of anonymity, that the deaths were due to the negligence, irresponsible behavior, and unsanitary conditions maintained by the hostel administration. Various student and employee organizations have raised their voices against this incident, holding the Municipal Corporation administration fully responsible if two young students are dying. Students also complain that hostel staff behave arbitrarily and rudely.
Uncleanliness in the Hostel?
The hostel is reportedly extremely dirty. There are many mosquitoes, and students are not getting clean drinking water. There have been disgusting incidents of insects being found in the drinking water tank. Students also report insects in the water tanks used for daily purposes. Rooms and washrooms are not being cleaned properly, leading to multiple complaints.
“The hostel is very dirty; the washrooms and drinking water are not clean. The hostel administration only woke up after the deaths of two students and installed water filters. If this had been done earlier, the two students wouldn’t have died.” – A Student, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Hostel, Municipal Corporation
“Due to the occurrence of both dengue and malaria in Pune, the hostel has also been affected. After the deaths of two students, we immediately conducted medical checkups for everyone. Eight to ten students have a fever and are receiving treatment. Students facing any issues should inform the hostel rector immediately for prompt treatment.”– Nitin Udas, Deputy Commissioner, Social Welfare, Municipal Corporation
“The premature death of students who were to become the support of their families has caused irreplaceable loss to their families. The families of both deceased students should be given immediate assistance of 10 lakh rupees. Also, immediate action should be taken against the responsible officials. Otherwise, the NSUI will soon launch an intense agitation.”–Adv. Krishna Sathe, General Secretary, NSUI Pune City and District
“The death of both students is tragic. The lack of attention from the Municipal Corporation administration to the difficulties and facilities of students coming from rural areas and residing in the hostel is a serious issue. The Deputy Commissioner of the Social Development Department and the hostel rector should be immediately suspended.”–Dr. Abhishek Boke, President, NCP, Shivajinagar Assembly Constituency
