On the first day of the Sharadiya Navratri festival, a tragic incident unfolded in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, as approximately 150 individuals fell ill after consuming food made from allegedly poisonous buckwheat flour. The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, began on Thursday when families breaking their fast with traditional dishes started experiencing severe symptoms.
Reports indicate that victims displayed a range of alarming symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, stomach aches, and body tremors, prompting immediate medical attention. The local Community Health Centre (CHC) quickly became overwhelmed with the influx of patients. Those in critical condition were swiftly transferred to the district hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Bijnor’s District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Ankit Kumar Agarwal, assessed the situation and confirmed, “Many people have fallen ill after eating buckwheat flour. We have identified between 125 and 150 patients exhibiting symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea. Some patients have been referred to the district hospital, and samples of the flour have been sent to the lab for analysis. Strict action will be taken against the culprits.”
In a poignant statement, the CMO expressed his distress over the incident, stating, “It is sad that adulterators do not hesitate to play with faith as well as health for a little greed.” Many affected individuals were preparing for the auspicious day of Navratri, a time of fasting and devotion, when they consumed the contaminated dishes made from buckwheat flour. The situation escalated rapidly, leading to widespread illness in several villages within the Chandpur area of Bijnor.
The health department has mobilized resources to ensure that all affected individuals receive appropriate care. The CMO also emphasized the importance of alerting hospital staff and village heads to facilitate better treatment for those in need. Throughout the night, patients suffering from food poisoning continued to arrive at local medical facilities, both private and government-run.
Authorities are currently investigating the source of the contaminated buckwheat flour. The food department has collected samples for testing to determine the extent of the contamination and identify those responsible for distributing the tainted product.
As the community grapples with this shocking incident, local leaders and health officials are urging residents to remain vigilant about food safety, especially during religious observances when traditional foods are prepared and consumed.
