In a tragic incident in Hoskote, Bengaluru Rural limits, one woman died, and 70 others were hospitalized due to a suspected case of food poisoning after consuming ‘prasad’ at a local temple. The incident came to light when a few individuals complained of dysentery and vomiting a day after visiting the temple.
Police suspect the edible offering at the place of worship to be the cause of the food poisoning. While some of the hospitalized individuals have been discharged, others are still undergoing treatment, closely monitored by the health department.
The preliminary inquiry indicates that most of the affected individuals had visited the temple on Saturday and partaken in the ‘prasad.’ The first reports of illness emerged a day later, prompting several to seek medical attention.
A woman, exhibiting symptoms of dysentery and vomiting, was admitted to a hospital on Sunday afternoon and tragically passed away on Monday morning. Many others, experiencing similar symptoms, were admitted to hospitals on Sunday morning.
The health department has identified five hospitals where a significant number of patients were admitted. In response to the situation, one hospital has dedicated an entire floor to treat ICU patients.
While the suspected cause points to the ‘prasad’ consumed at the temple, the investigation is still in its initial stage. A senior police officer stated, “Patients suspect that the prasad they ate at the temple on Saturday must have led to alleged food poisoning. But others did not eat the prasad and yet developed dysentery and vomiting. So it needs to be verified.”
Statements from the affected individuals are being recorded, and the police are awaiting a formal complaint from the health department and the food safety officer to proceed with further actions. An official case is expected to be registered based on the collected statements and complaints.