Karnataka: Suspected Food Poisoning Claims One Life, 135 Others Hospitalised

Some of those admitted to the hospital have been released, while others are still being treated. The Health Department is keeping a close eye on the issue.

A 65-year-old lady died and 135 others were hospitalised in a suspected incidence of food poisoning in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural limits, on Monday, according to authorities, news agency PTI reported. They identified the dead as Siddagangamma, a resident of Kaveringar in Hoskote. Police believe the source of the food illness was an edible donation at a nearby house of worship. Some of those admitted to the hospital have been released, while others are still being treated. The Health Department is keeping a close eye on the issue.

It is now thought to be a case of food poisoning, but because the inquiry is in its early stages, the specific cause cannot be determined at this time, they added.

A preliminary inquiry has found that on Saturday, majority of them had visited a shrine in Hoskote town where they ate 'prasad'. A day later, a handful of those present complained of diarrhoea and vomiting, prompting them to seek medical attention.

According to a senior police official, a woman who complained of identical symptoms was admitted to one of these hospitals on Sunday afternoon and died this morning.

Many more were brought to hospitals on Sunday morning with diarrhoea and vomiting.

"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 was quoted by PTI in its report.

"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.