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West Midnapore Food Poisoning: Over 150 Sick After Eating Puja Prasad

A community Manasa Puja in West Midnapore's Daspur area turned tragic when over 150 people fell ill after eating the ceremonial prasad. The victims, including many women and children, began experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea shortly after consuming the khichri meal. Local authorities quickly set up a medical camp and hospitalized five critically ill patients. Police and block administration officials are investigating potential water contamination as the cause of this mass food poisoning incident.

Key Points: 150 Fall Ill After Eating Prasad in West Bengal's West Midnapore

  • Over 150 people fell ill after consuming prasad at community Manasa Puja
  • Victims experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea symptoms overnight
  • Five critical patients hospitalized while medical camp treats others
  • Water samples collected as authorities investigate contamination source
2 min read

Over 150 fall ill after eating prasad in Bengal's West Midnapore

Mass food poisoning incident at Manasa Puja in West Midnapore leaves over 150 people sick, including women and children, after consuming khichri prasad.

"More than three hundred people ate the prasad. However, more than half of the people started vomiting and having diarrhoea. - Police Officer"

Kolkata, Oct 19

More than 150 people fell sick after eating prasad during a puja in the Daspur area of West Bengal's West Midnapore district, the police said on Sunday.

According to police sources, there was a community 'manasa puja' in the area on Saturday night and a large number of people had assembled to consume the puja prasad.

After consuming the prasad, people started vomiting and had diarrhoea since Saturday night.

Many women and children were among those who fell sick.

A medical camp has been set up since Sunday morning to treat the people.

The block administration officials rushed to the spot. However, there was a large commotion in the Suratpur village within the Daspur police station.

A senior officer of West Midnapore district police said that the 'manasa puja' has been taking place in the village for several years.

On Saturday night, the puja committee organised a khichri meal, which is the puja prasad for the devotees.

"More than three hundred people ate the prasad. However, more than half of the people started vomiting and having diarrhoea. The administration was immediately informed regarding the incident," the police officer said.

Daspur Block Development Officer, Dipankar Biswas, made arrangements for treatment of the victims who fell ill since Saturday night.

A medical camp was set up in the area by the health department.

Primary treatment is being provided there.

Biswas visited the village on sunday morning and reviewed the situation on the ground.

Daspur Panchayat Samiti President Sukumar Patra also rushed to the spot.

According to the police, five people have been sent to the hospital as their condition is reported to be critical.

Water samples have also been collected from the area.

It is being investigated whether there is any issue with the water.

On the other hand, Patra said that the situation is now under control.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As someone from West Bengal, this is really concerning. Prasad should be prepared with utmost care and purity. The administration must investigate thoroughly - could be contaminated water or spoiled ingredients.
S
Sarah B
Terrible incident! 😔 When preparing food for hundreds, proper food safety protocols must be followed. Hope the medical camp provides adequate treatment to all affected.
A
Arjun K
While I appreciate the quick response from administration, the puja committee should have been more careful. Prasad is sacred food - can't compromise on hygiene standards. Wishing speedy recovery to all affected families.
M
Michael C
This is why community food events need proper monitoring and food safety certifications. Hope the authorities implement stricter guidelines for such gatherings in future.
K
Kavya N
So sad to hear about women and children being affected the most. 🙏 The organizers must ensure proper food handling practices. Hope the five critical patients recover completely.

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