Thane: Cockroach Found in Dal Served to Patient at Kalwa Hospital, Raising Food Safety Concerns

Thane, 1st September 2026: A shocking incident at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa has raised serious concerns over food hygiene and the quality of meals served to patients after a cockroach was allegedly found in a plate of dal served to a woman undergoing treatment.

The woman had been admitted to Ward No. 6 of the Thane Municipal Corporation-run hospital for an eye surgery. On Friday, August 28, she was served dinner while recovering from her treatment. As her eyes were covered with a bandage, she reportedly felt something unusual in the dal while eating.

Initially, she assumed the object was a curry leaf and attempted to remove it. However, after noticing its swollen and smooth texture, she asked a neighbouring patient to identify it. To her shock, it was found to be a cockroach.

The incident was reportedly brought to the attention of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) members. Swapnil Mahindrakar, Thane city president of the party’s Public Interest and Legal Department, along with other party office-bearers, visited the hospital and questioned the administration over the alleged lapse.

The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about food safety, hygiene standards and the quality of meals supplied to patients at government-run hospitals.

Mahindrakar demanded strict action against those responsible, stating that the food supplier should be immediately blacklisted. He also called for criminal action against the contractor supplying the meals and hospital officials found responsible for negligence.

The incident comes at a time when food safety authorities have been conducting inspections and taking action against establishments violating hygiene standards across Maharashtra. The discovery of a cockroach in food served to a hospital patient has further intensified concerns over monitoring and sanitation in public healthcare facilities.

Hospital authorities are yet to issue a detailed response regarding the incident.