By Firstdespatch Desk Aug 02, 2026
Agartala, Aug 2 (FD) A major controversy unfolded at the Dr BR Ambedkar Memorial Girls' Hostel in Agartala on Sunday after resident students alleged that three women employed in the hostel kitchen were caught attempting to take away food supplies meant for hostel inmates. The incident triggered protests inside the hostel, with students demanding immediate action and a transparent investigation into the allegations.
According to the resident students, the hostel houses nearly 140 girls, and adequate quantities of essential food items, including rice, pulses, potatoes, eggs, fish, and meat, are reportedly allocated based on the number of boarders. However, the students claimed that despite sufficient allocations, they had repeatedly received inadequate meals over the past several months.
The students alleged that a portion of the hostel's food supplies had been regularly taken away by the kitchen staff, resulting in shortages for the residents. On Sunday afternoon, several students reportedly intercepted three women engaged in cooking duties and claimed to have recovered food items that were allegedly being removed from the hostel premises.
The incident led to heightened tensions within the hostel as students gathered to protest and demanded strict action against those allegedly involved. They also called for an impartial inquiry into the matter, recovery of the alleged losses, and stronger monitoring mechanisms to ensure that food supplies intended for hostel residents are used exclusively for their welfare.
Students further alleged that the three women had been appointed around two years ago after the previous kitchen workers were replaced. They also claimed that the appointments were made following recommendations from local political leaders. However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
As of the filing of this report, neither the hostel authorities nor the district administration had issued an official statement regarding the allegations. The response of the accused women was also not immediately available.
The allegations remain unverified, and no official findings have yet confirmed any wrongdoing. Nevertheless, the incident has raised fresh concerns regarding the management and supervision of government-run hostels, particularly in ensuring transparency in food distribution and safeguarding the welfare of resident students.
The students have urged the authorities to conduct a fair and independent investigation so that the facts can be established and appropriate action taken based on the findings. FD SB