New Delhi: More than 300 people, including women and children, became sick after eating ‘prasad’ at a religious event in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district.
The incident took placed on Tuesday night during the final day of the week-long ‘Harinam Saptah’ religious gathering in Somthana village, Lonar. The district collector, Kiran Patil, informed the news agency PTI about the situation.
Footage showed several patients receiving treatment outside a hospital, facing a bed shortage. Saline bottles were suspended from ropes tied to trees for medical care.
Devotees from Somthana and Khaparkhed villages visited the temple at 10 pm to partake in ‘prasad’. After the consumption of ‘prasad’, they experienced stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
The people who fell ill were quickly transported to a hospital in Bibi village. Due to a lack of beds, many patients had to receive treatment on the road outside the hospital. Saline bottles were hung from ropes attached to trees for medical care.
“It was the sixth day of the religious programme in Somthana. ‘Prasad’ was distributed as it was ‘ekadashi’ (eleventh day) among 400 to 500 people. Several people complained of food poisoning and are being treated now,” a local said.
A team of doctors, along with an ambulance and essential equipment, has been deployed to be ready for any medical emergencies, as stated by him.
“Samples of ‘prasad’ have been sent to a laboratory for analysis and an inquiry will be initiated,” he added.