Published Dec 25, 2023 | 5:19 PM ⚊ Updated Dec 26, 2023 | 10:08 AM
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In a tragic incident in Hoskote in the Bengaluru Rural district of Karnataka, a woman lost her life and 70 others required hospitalisation due to suspected food poisoning. The deceased has been identified as Siddagangamma, aged 60.
The source of the food poisoning is believed to be prasad (sacred food offering) consumed at a local Hanuman temple.
On Saturday, many devotees from Hoskote visited the temple and partook of the prasad, which included dishes like puliyogare (tamarind rice), payasa (sweet rice pudding), and laddoo.
The following day, several individuals, including Siddagangamma, exhibited symptoms like dysentery and vomiting, leading to their hospitalisation.
Siddagangamma’s condition deteriorated despite medical attention, resulting in her passing. Meanwhile, other affected individuals are undergoing treatment, with some in serious condition.
Siddagangamma, a resident of Kaveringar in Hoskote, had not even gone to the temple. Her husband Shivanna visited three temples — the Venkatraramanaswamy temple, the Anjaneya temple, and the Kote Anjaneyaswamy temple — and got the prasad for her.
Bengaluru Rural Additional Superintendent of Police ML Purushottam visited the hospitals to know the situation.
Officials from the state’s Health Department, who are monitoring the case, told reporters that nearly 22 of those who fell ill have been admitted to Silicon City Hospital.
Some of these people are even in the ICU as their condition is said to be critical.
Nearly 30 of them visited the Silicon City Hospital in Hoskote, while 21 were treated at the Shrinivas Nursing Home and seven at the Hoskote Government Hospital.
Health Department officials confirmed to reporters that 70 people had fallen sick. They added that the department was actively monitoring the situation.
“It is suspected to be a case of food poisoning. However, since the investigation is in the initial stage, the exact cause cannot be ascertained at present,” said the Hoskote police, who have registered a case in the matter and are investigating it.
As the investigation is in its early stages, the exact cause of the poisoning remains unconfirmed.
The police have initiated the process of recording statements from the patients. The investigation will progress based on these statements and any forthcoming complaints from the Health Department.
“We had information that about 70 people have been admitted to different hospitals. Later, we got to know that 65 more people were admitted. The health department has identified five hospitals in which maximum patients have been admitted. Looking at the situation, in one of the hospitals, they have dedicated an entire floor to treat ICU patients,” the police official said on Monday to PTI.
“Patients suspect that the prasad they ate at the temple on Saturday must have led to alleged food poisoning. But there were also others who did not eat the prasad and yet developed dysentery and vomiting. So it needs to be verified,” he added.
“We have started recording statements of these patients. We have received a complaint from the health department, based on which we have registered a case under Section 278 (Making atmosphere noxious to health) of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified persons at Hoskote police station. Our investigation is underway and will take necessary action accordingly,” he added.
