Deoria: A horrifying incident has rattled Maharshi Devrah Baba Medical College in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, after a decomposed human body was discovered inside the main water tank that supplied water for tea, snacks, and daily use across the hospital and hostel premises.
For nearly ten days, students, staff, and patients unknowingly consumed contaminated water before the shocking discovery was made. The issue came to light when several students complained of a foul smell in the drinking water, prompting cleaning staff to open the tank for inspection. Inside, they found the decomposed body of a man, believed to be in his mid-40s, floating in the cemented tank located on the fifth floor of the building.
The fire brigade worked for over six hours to retrieve the body, which had decomposed so severely that the skin peeled off on contact. The tank has since been sealed, and water supply to the campus has been diverted to alternative sources through tankers. Forensic experts have collected water and environmental samples to assess contamination levels and potential health risks.
District Magistrate Divya Mittal, who led an on-site inspection, found the tank unlocked and liquor bottles near the area, pointing to severe lapses in campus security and maintenance. The discovery has triggered outrage among students and locals, with reports indicating that complaints about the water’s foul odour had been ignored by the administration for at least three days.
Following the revelations, Principal Secretary (Medical Education) suspended college principal Dr. Rajesh Kumar Barnwal with immediate effect. Dr. Rajni from Etah Medical College has been appointed as acting principal during the inquiry. A five-member committee led by the Chief Development Officer has been constituted to probe the incident, focusing on campus security, water safety protocols, and administrative negligence.
Authorities are working to identify the deceased and determine whether foul play, accident, or suicide was involved. The investigation has raised serious questions about hygiene, safety, and management standards at government medical institutions in Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said strict action will be taken against those responsible for negligence that endangered the lives of hundreds of students, patients, and staff.
