Students at Delhi University's South Campus hostel protested after a cockroach was found in chutney in the boys’ hostel mess. The insect was reportedly found swimming in chutney that was served with uttapam breakfast on Tuesday. A student alleged that the hostel caretaker responded casually after the issue was reported and simply asked them to take another plate. Soon after, protests broke out on campus, with students from the Sabarmati Hostel and Aravali Hostel launching an agitation over concerns related to food safety and hygiene.
ALSO READ: Cockroach Janta Party's X account withheld in India
The latest incident comes barely 15 days after students claimed a gutka wrapper was found inside dosa filling served during breakfast. Photos and videos allegedly showing contaminated food have since circulated widely on social media.
Cockroach found amid CJP buzz
It is interesting to note that the development comes at a time when Cockroach Janta Party, an online satirical movement, has gained the attention of youth and even surpassed BJP on Instagram in terms of followers. CJP's X account has now been withheld in India.
ALSO READ: Cockroach Janta Party surpasses BJP on Instagram
The viral movement was launched on May 16 by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communication student based in the United States and a former AAP social worker, who introduced the mock “party" through a Google Form on X, inviting people to register. What began as an online joke soon turned into a major youth-driven social media movement.
‘It was treated as normal’
Sambhav, a first-year MA History student from Bihar who allegedly found the cockroach, told the Times of India the issue was casually dismissed by hostel staff. “I was taking food from the counter when I noticed a cockroach in the chutney. I immediately flagged it to the caretaker serving us. He took it casually and told me to take a different plate. It was treated as if it were normal,” he said.
He claimed such incidents have become frequent in the hostel mess. “This is not the first time. Every now and then, insects are found in the food, and even after repeated complaints, nothing has improved,” Sambhav told TOI.
Student ill after eating hostel breakfast
Another student, Paban, a first-year MA Political Science student from Assam, alleged that he became sick after eating breakfast served in the hostel mess on Tuesday, the report said.
“I had an exam that day, so I quickly ate breakfast and left. I felt nauseous during the exam and had to step out to vomit, which wasted my time and may affect my performance,” he told TOI.
Paban said he was later taken to the hostel health facility, where he was told he may have consumed contaminated food.
“Later, I found out through a hostel WhatsApp group that a cockroach was found in the food,” he added.
The student also alleged that after writing to hostel authorities seeking a rebate in mess fees and permission to avoid hostel food during recovery, he was threatened with eviction.
Students allege poor kitchen hygiene
Students living in the hostels claimed the incidents were not isolated and alleged that many residents had previously fallen ill because of poor food quality.
They also raised concerns over unhygienic kitchen conditions and shared images allegedly showing:
cockroach infestation in pantry areas
partially rotten vegetables being used
dough being kneaded using wastewater from a water purifier.
“We don’t have many options as most of us are from outside Delhi and depend on hostel facilities. When we raise issues, we are asked to adjust or look for accommodation elsewhere,” another student said.
DUSU leaders join protest
The protest was later joined by Aryan Maan, president of Delhi University Students' Union. Yashpal Rao alleged that the problem has persisted for months.
“The pantry infrastructure is very poor. There are cracks in the walls which allow insects to enter. We have raised this multiple times but no action has been taken,” he said.
According to Rao, the administration has now assured students that wardens will monitor food quality and eat meals alongside students for the next two months. He also said the current mess tender would be reviewed following the protests.
Rao further alleged that due to an LPG shortage, part of the hostel food was being cooked using firewood. TOI reported that repeated attempts to contact Manoj Prasad for a response remained unanswered till the time of publication.
