A decomposed body was found in a water tank at Maharshi Devaraha Baba Medical College in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh, on October 8, 2025. Students, staff, and patients had unknowingly consumed the contaminated water for about ten days, after which a foul odor prompted an investigation.
Key details of the incident:
Discovery: Maintenance staff found the body, believed to be that of a 61-year-old patient who had been admitted with a leg injury. It was so decomposed that the skin began peeling off during the six-hour recovery effort.
Contamination and Negligence: Water from the tank was supplied to the college's Outpatient Department (OPD) and wards, where the deceased was a patient. According to the District Magistrate, the tank was supposed to be locked but was found open. Some patients and staff had complained about the water's odor for days, but their concerns were initially ignored.
Administrative Action: Following the discovery, the college's principal, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Barnwal, was suspended for the lapse in security and negligence. Dr. Rajni, head of the anatomy department at Etah Medical College, was appointed as the acting principal.
Investigation: Deoria District Magistrate Divya Mittal ordered an investigation and formed a five-member inquiry committee to determine what went wrong. Police are also investigating to rule out foul play and are examining CCTV footage and interviewing security personnel.
Response: The contaminated tank was sealed, and the administration arranged for an alternate water supply via tankers. Thorough cleaning and disinfection are planned for the tank.