At Mahamrishi Devaraha Baba Medical College in Deoria,Uttar Pradesh, it was discovered that students and staff had been using water from a tank that contained a decomposed human body for almost ten days.

Officials said the issue was first noticed when a foul smell started coming from the water, leading cleaning staff to check the fifth-floor cemented water tank. To their horror, they found a badly decomposed and unidentifiable body inside.

The corpse was removed late at night in the presence of the police and sent for a post-mortem examination. Authorities confirmed that water from this tank had been supplied to both the OPD and the ward buildings during the time the body was in the tank. The discovery caused widespread concern and outrage among students, staff, and the local community.

After, the incident, Deoria District Magistrate Divya Mittal was appointed as the investigation officer. The college’s principal, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Barnwal, has been temporarily relieved of his duties, and Dr. Rajni, head of the Anatomy Department at Etah Medical College, has been made the acting principal until further notice.

During a morning inspection on Tuesday, DM Divya Mittal noted that the fifth-floor tank, which should have been locked for safety reasons, was left open. A video of the District Magistrate questioning the principal about the negligence has gone viral on social media, sparking intense public discussion about the management and safety standards at the college.

The tank has now been sealed, and an alternative water supply is being provided through tankers to ensure students and staff have safe drinking water. Meanwhile, a five-member inquiry team, led by the Chief Development Officer, has been formed to investigate the incident. The team has been instructed to submit a report within two days.

Officials have emphasized that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible for the negligence. The incident has raised serious questions about the maintenance and monitoring of essential facilities at medical colleges, highlighting the urgent need for better safety measures to protect students, staff, and patients. The local administration has promised a thorough investigation and immediate corrective steps.