Suspected Water Contamination at MMIT Hostel Sends 12 Female Students to Hospital

Panic erupted at the hostel of Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s Institute of Technology (MMIT) after 12 female engineering students were hospitalized following suspected poisoning from contaminated drinking water

Lohegaon| Pune, February 16, 2026:Panic erupted at the hostel of Marathwada Mitra Mandal’s Institute of Technology (MMIT) after 12 female engineering students were hospitalized following suspected poisoning from contaminated drinking water.

The students were admitted to Saishraddha Hospital, Lohegaon, on February 12 after experiencing vomiting, dizziness, abdominal pain, and weakness. Doctors confirmed that nine students have since been discharged, while three remain under observation in stable condition.

According to the affected students, black worms were found in the hostel’s drinking water tanks and buckets on February 10, and yellowish, foul-smelling water had been flowing through the hostel filters for weeks. Despite complaints in January, students allege that filters were never replaced.

“When we tried to open the filters to inspect them, we were told, ‘Who are you to question? You have no right.’ We were silenced,” said one student.

The hostel superintendent reportedly blamed the illness on the students’ personal hygiene, a statement that has triggered outrage among students and parents. Further complaints claim that members of the Student Council were warned not to approach police or media.

The crisis escalated as some students fainted inside the hostel, forcing peers to rush them to the hospital using private vehicles, since no official transport was immediately arranged. Students were also allegedly denied immediate access to their blood test reports, heightening concerns over their safety.

Parents raised additional concerns regarding ongoing construction within hostel premises, claiming it disrupted studies and posed safety risks. They are demanding a criminal case against those responsible for alleged negligence. Police have recorded statements but an FIR has not yet been registered.

The incident has drawn widespread attention, prompting an internal inquiry by MMIT. Hospital authorities confirmed that blood tests and sonography were conducted, and reports are available. Local social workers have called for strict action to ensure student safety and prevent future incidents.

Affected Students (First Year unless noted):
Shreya Mahadik, Runali Mahajan, Shreenidhi Gupta (Second Year), Sakshi Swami (Second Year), Siddhi Umate, Shreyash Irkar, Mansi Deshmukh, Kunika Devalkar, Kamlesh Nikam, Tripti Gavande, Pranaya Chavan, Samruddhi Hande

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