Probe launched into IUB canteen after student death

BAHAWALPUR: A high-level inquiry committee formed by the Higher Education Department has visited the Islamia University of Bahawalpur to investigate the death of a student who allegedly fell ill after consuming a soft drink bought from the university canteen.

The inquiry focused on the death of 22-year-old BBA student Tanzil Musa, who died earlier this month in circumstances that raised questions about the sale of soft drinks on campus and the university’s emergency medical arrangements. During its visit, the committee questioned the university administration and the canteen contractor over the availability of soft drinks at the campus canteen despite restrictions on their sale in educational institutions.

According to university sources, the canteen owner told the committee that he had sold the soft drink and said the student had consumed a bottled beverage that had also been bought by several other students, with no other adverse effects reported.

Emergency response examined

Sources said the committee was informed during the proceedings that the oxygen cylinder meant for emergency medical assistance was reportedly empty at the time of the incident, which meant the student could not be given immediate oxygen support before rescue personnel arrived.

The inquiry was also told, that the university ambulance allegedly lacked sufficient fuel, causing a delay in transporting the student to Bahawal Victoria Hospital for emergency treatment. The committee reviewed medical facilities and emergency response arrangements on campus and examined concerns regarding the availability of emergency equipment and the handling of medical emergencies.

It was also claimed during the inquiry, sources said, that this may have been the third student death under similar circumstances, although that assertion has not yet been officially verified.

University says report is not final

University spokesperson Shehzad Ahmad said the Higher Education Department’s inquiry team had completed its visit, taken statements from relevant individuals and reviewed the available medical facilities. He said the committee’s report had not yet been finalised and that its findings would be made public after the inquiry process is completed.