Guwahati: More than 50 students of Assam Engineering College (AEC) in Guwahati reportedly fell ill after using water from a hostel tank in which a dead monkey was discovered, raising serious concerns over water safety and hygiene on the campus.
The incident came to light after students of Hostel No. 7 complained of an unusual smell emanating from the water supply. A subsequent inspection reportedly revealed the carcass of a monkey inside the storage tank.
According to reports, the animal’s body had remained inside the tank for nearly a week, during which students continued using the water for their daily activities. The same water supply was also reportedly used for preparing food at the hostel mess.
Students are particularly concerned that the contaminated water may have been in use since Durga Puja, raising questions about how the problem remained undetected and whether water storage facilities were being inspected regularly.
Following the incident, more than 50 students reportedly fell ill and were admitted to Ayurvedic College Hospital in Jalukbari for treatment.
While some of the affected students have recovered, several others are still receiving medical attention. Some students are reportedly being administered intravenous fluids and remain confined to their hostel rooms.
The incident has also brought renewed attention to earlier complaints by students over an alleged shortage of drinking water at the hostel. Students have questioned the lack of timely inspections, particularly as the water was reportedly being used for both daily consumption and cooking.
The incident has raised concerns over hostel water management, sanitation and the monitoring of drinking water facilities at the engineering college.