More than three dozen students at Munger Engineering College in Bihar fell ill late on Friday evening, 19 September 2026, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, fever and weakness — raising suspicions of food poisoning linked to Vishwakarma Puja prasad served at the institution a day earlier. The college administration responded swiftly, arranging ambulances to transport the affected students to Sadar Hospital in the area.

How the Incident Unfolded

According to reports, prasad prepared at the college for Vishwakarma Puja was distributed on Thursday and consumed by students, faculty and support staff alike. While a handful of students reportedly began showing symptoms on Thursday itself, the situation escalated significantly by Friday evening, when a large number of hostel residents simultaneously complained of vomiting and diarrhoea, prompting alarm across the campus.

An assistant professor and several college staff members were also reportedly unwell, suggesting the possible source of illness was the widely shared offering rather than an isolated individual cause.

Medical Response at Sadar Hospital

The college administration acted promptly upon receiving reports of multiple students falling ill. Ambulances were arranged and the affected students were taken to Sadar Hospital, where Dr Faizuddin administered treatment. The doctor confirmed that more than three dozen students received medical attention for symptoms including diarrhoea, fever and weakness. Following first aid and treatment, the condition of most students improved and they were discharged and allowed to return to the hostel.

What College Officials Said

Acting Principal Dr Shambhu Shankar visited the hostel along with college staff to assess the situation on the ground. He acknowledged it was 'too early to confirm' whether food poisoning was the definitive cause, noting that the prasad had been consumed by students, professors and staff alike. Dr Shankar stated that a high-level enquiry would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the illness, and added that appropriate action would be taken if any negligence was found in the course of the investigation.

Food Poisoning Suspected, Cause Unconfirmed

Authorities have not yet officially confirmed food poisoning as the cause. The timing and pattern of symptoms — affecting a large group who shared the same prasad — has led investigators to treat the puja offering as the most probable common factor. This is not the first time festive food-sharing events at educational institutions have been followed by mass illness episodes; such incidents have been reported periodically across Bihar and other states, often highlighting gaps in food preparation hygiene and oversight during large communal gatherings.

What Happens Next

A formal inquiry is now underway to establish the cause of the illness. The results of the investigation, including whether the prasad preparation involved any lapses in hygiene, are expected to guide any disciplinary or corrective action. The health of the remaining students and staff who consumed the prasad continues to be monitored.