HYDERABAD: On Tuesday, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) conducted surprise inspections at ten government-run hostels serving ST, SC, and BC educational institutions across various districts, including Hyderabad. This action follows the recent deaths of two students at Peddapur Gurukul Residential School in Jagtial district on July 26 and August 9.
The inspections revealed several irregularities, including misappropriation of funds. The ACB teams, supported by officials from legal metrology, sanitation, food, and audit departments, assessed food quality, sanitation, student occupancy, and record maintenance.
Key findings included poor basic amenities for students, an overpopulation of students, and the absence of wardens, who were found to be present only sporadically throughout the month. 
A senior ACB official stated, “We will analyze the evidence from the inspections and report our findings to the state government within the next two to three days. We will recommend measures to address the issues and propose actions against the responsible hostel welfare officers, including potential legal action for fund misappropriation.”
The inspections were prompted by recent student deaths and illnesses, with suspicions of snake bites and food poisoning. Complaints about substandard food quality and inadequate infrastructure had also been received.
Further anomalies included deplorable conditions in kitchens and washrooms, irregular drinking water supply, and expired food items. Discrepancies were noted in food menu documentation and commodity weights, and several essential records were missing. The inspections also highlighted that the hostels failed to provide students with eggs and milk daily, as required.
The inspected hostels included:
- SC Boys Hostel, Jambagh, Hyderabad
- BC Boys Hostel, Medipally, Medchal-Malkajgiri
- BC Boys Hostel, Koylakonda, Mahabubnagar
- SC Girls Hostel, Tipparthi, Nalgonda
- ST Boys Hostel, Vemanapalli, Mancherial
- SC Boys Hostel, Ipalapalli, Rajanna Sircilla
- SC Girls Hostel, Jangaon
- ST Boys Hostel, Karepalli, Bhadradri Kothagudem
- BC Boys Hostel, Siddipet
- SC Girls Hostel, Kothagalli, Nizamabad