FoodSafety – Six Hospitalized After Suspected Food Contamination in Indore
FoodSafety – Six individuals have been admitted to a government hospital after allegedly consuming contaminated food in the Bhagirathpura locality of Indore, according to officials from the health department. The incident has once again drawn attention to the area, which recently faced a serious public health crisis linked to unsafe drinking water.
Birthday Celebration Followed by Illness
Health authorities said that nearly 60 residents attended a birthday gathering in Bhagirathpura late on Saturday night. Within hours, several attendees began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting and stomach discomfort on Sunday.
Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr. Madhav Hasani confirmed that medical teams responded promptly after receiving information about the cases. While many affected individuals were treated at local health facilities and allowed to return home, six people were admitted to Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital as a precautionary measure.
Doctors monitoring the patients reported that their condition is stable and that they are recovering well after receiving treatment. Officials added that food samples are likely to be examined to determine the exact cause of the illness.
Area Previously Hit by Water Contamination
The latest incident has occurred in the same neighborhood that was identified as the epicenter of a diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water. The outbreak, which began in late December, resulted in multiple fatalities and triggered widespread concern across the city.
The issue was also raised in the Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly earlier this month. During a discussion on February 19, Health Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that 22 deaths had been officially recorded due to the water contamination in Bhagirathpura. He further informed the House that the state government had provided financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh to the families of each deceased victim.
However, some local residents and members of the Congress party have claimed that the death toll from the outbreak may be higher, placing the figure at 35. Authorities have not confirmed these higher estimates.
Judicial Inquiry Underway
In response to the gravity of the water contamination tragedy, a judicial probe has been initiated. A one-member commission led by Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, a former judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, is currently investigating the circumstances that led to the contamination. The inquiry was constituted following court directives and is expected to examine administrative lapses, infrastructure issues, and accountability.
Officials have said that the commission’s findings will help determine corrective measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, health teams continue to conduct surveillance in Bhagirathpura, monitoring water quality and responding to any new complaints of illness.
Heightened Vigilance in Bhagirathpura
Local authorities have increased health inspections and awareness efforts in the area. Residents have been advised to ensure proper hygiene practices, consume safe drinking water, and immediately report any symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting, or fever to nearby health centers.
The recent hospitalization of six people has not been directly linked to the earlier water contamination outbreak, but the back-to-back incidents have heightened anxiety among residents. Officials maintain that both matters are being handled with urgency and that medical facilities remain prepared to manage additional cases if required.
As investigations continue, health authorities have assured the public that all necessary precautions are being taken to safeguard community health and restore confidence in essential services.