45 fall ill after consuming ‘prasad’

Around 45 persons reportedly taken ill after consuming ‘prasad’ at a religious place in the Ayali Kalan area on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Wednesday. They were admitted to Raghunath Hospital and Mahal Hospital after they started complaining of vomiting and loose motions. The police and the Health Department are investigating the matter.

Panic gripped the area when a large number of devotees complained of uneasiness after consuming prasad. According to information, a langar was organised at a religious place to mark the Makar Sankranti celebrations. Soon after consuming the prasad, the health of several devotees began to deteriorate. Around 45 persons complained of vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness and they were rushed to hospitals. A large number of people participated in the event.

Following information about the incident, the administration and the Health Department initiated a probe to ascertain the cause of the illness. As per information, the halwa served as prasad is suspected to have caused alleged food poisoning.

Meanwhile, the SHO concerned, Aditya Sharma, said the police were probing the matter and medical tests of the patients were underway. “Once doctors give a clear picture, we will be able to comment further. However, persons responsible for the same will not be spared. The condition of the patients is stated to be stable,” the SHO said.

He added that halwa was prepared at a shop, for which order was placed by a family as “sewa”. “We have detained the person who had prepared the same and are looking into the matter,” Sharma said.

Those admitted to hospitals include senior citizens, women and children. One of the patients, Manjit Kaur, said she had taken the prasad home and everyone who consumed it fell ill.