'Deliberate attempt to misinterpret', IIT Roorkee Issues Clarification After Rats Found in Mess' Food

Following the massive outrage over unhygienic condition of IIT Roorkee's hostel mess, the premier institution has issued a clarification refuting the claims. As per the official statement by the Indian Institute of Technology, IIT Roorkee, rats were found in the closed area of mess and no food items were contaminated. The entire incident triggered a protest in the college. As per a video circulated on X, rodents were found in raw food and cooking utensils of the Radha-Krishna Bhawan mess. Students further alleged that they were being served rat-contaminated food. IIT Roorkee has issued a clarification on October 17 stating that video is misleading. Following the preliminary investigation into the incident reported at RadhaKrishna Bhawan mess, it has been clarified that the video circulating on social media was taken by students who entered the mess late at night. The footage shows rodents in a closed area of the mess where only empty utensils and non-edible items were stored. No food items were contaminated. The videos appear to be a deliberate attempt to misrepresent the situation," IIT Roorkee's statement reads. Further, the institute also confirmed that the food served to students is hygienic and safe. "The institute strongly refutes the rumors suggesting that contaminated food was served to students," IIT R said.Yesterday, a team from the Food Safety department reached the institute today for investigation. The team took food samples and said that a plan to remove the rats would be made with the help of IIT experts. Special type of rat trackers will be installed.Students also shared a few incidents on X (Twitter) and stated that hygiene-related issues are not new in the IIT Roorkee's hostel mess. A committee has been deployed to review the entire situation and probe is underway.