For the last four days, around 165 students living in the post-graduate and undergraduate hostels in the Hastings Hostel at Calcutta University’s Beharilal campus, were using the water of a reservoir in which a crow had dropped dead a week ago. “We had complained to the authorities that we suspected the water supply to the hostel was contaminated but they told us that only a polythene bag has fallen inside the reservoir,” said Dipannita Das, a first year MA student.

On Sunday, however, the students decided to break open the door to the terrace and check out the reservoir. To their shock, they found the lid of the reservoir open and a dead crow floating on the water.

Sources said that the students approached hostel superintendent Banali Pradhan for an explanation, but she locked herself inside her quarters.

According to Das, many students have their exam approaching and about eight to 10 students have taken ill after consuming the contaminated water.

The hostellers refused to have lunch as they suspected that the contaminated water was used to prepare the meal.

“Most students have their examinations approaching and we cannot leave the hostel at this time,” said Manjistha Banerjee, an MSc second year student.