A decomposed human body, estimated to be around 10 days old, was found in a fifth-floor overhead water tank at Maharshi Devaraha Baba Medical College in Deoria, Uttar Pradesh.
The water from this contaminated tank was being supplied to the outpatient department (OPD) and ward buildings, meaning students, staff, and patients unknowingly consumed the polluted water for at least 10 days.
The body was discovered when a foul odour from the water prompted cleaning staff to inspect the cemented tank on the fifth floor. The corpse was later removed in the presence of police and sent for post-mortem examination, according to a report in India Today.
Following the incident, Deoria District Magistrate Divya Mittal was appointed as the investigation officer. Meanwhile, the college principal, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Barnwal, has been suspended, and Dr. Rajni, head of the Anatomy Department at Etah Medical College, has been made acting principal until further notice, News18 reported.
During an inspection on Tuesday morning, the DM found that the tank, which was supposed to remain locked, had been left open.
Authorities have sealed the contaminated tank and arranged an alternative water supply through tankers. Meanwhile, a five-member inquiry committee, headed by the Chief Development Officer, has been formed and directed to submit its report within two days.
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