30 take ill after consuming ‘halwa’, boiled grams

VARANASI : Thirty people took ill allegedly after consuming boiled grams and halwa (a traditional sweat dish) served as snacks to locals during a marriage party at Deipur village in Sevapuri area of Varanasi on Monday, police said. Village head Arvind Patel rushed 26 people to government hospital, Sevapuri while four were admitted to a private hospital. Doctors said prima facie it appears to be a case of food poisoning.

VARANASI : Thirty people fell ill allegedly after consuming boiled grams and halwa (a traditional sweat dish) served as snacks to locals during a marriage party at Deipur village in Sevapuri area of Varanasi district on Monday, village head said.

According to village head Arvind Patel, marriage of one Virendra Kumar Singh’s daughter was scheduled on Monday.

As part of preparations boiled chana (grams) and halwa (sugar syrup and semolina) were served to the locals present at the house during pre-noon.

After having the snacks many started vomiting and complained of stomach ache. Many also suffered loose motions, he said.

Patel rushed 26 people to government hospital, Sevapuri while four were admitted to a private hospital.

Hospital superintendent Dr Ramashish said a team of doctors was looking after the patients even as 21 of them recovered after treatment while five others were referred to Varanasi in critical condition.

The hospital superintendent further said prima facie it appeared food poisoning and the semolina and sugar bought from the market may have been contaminated.