Hardoi (UP), Jul 28 (PTI) Twelve people fell ill after allegedly consuming curry laced with a pesticide during a feast organised after a death in a village here, police said on Tuesday.
The incident took place in Rahtaura village under the Pali police station area, where the affected people were admitted to a community health centre for treatment.
According to officials, the incident came to light when some people eating the curry complained of an unusual and bitter taste. Some of them apparently felt nauseous and dizzy, following which the family stopped serving the food.
During an inspection of the large utensil in which the curry was prepared, the family allegedly found an open container of “sulphas” pesticide lying at the bottom of the vessel,
raising suspicion that the food may have been contaminated, they said.
The feast was organised after the “purification” rituals following the death of Sandeep, brother of Rahtaura resident Netrapal. Relatives and other guests had gathered for the programme when the incident occurred, they added.
Police said the affected persons have been identified as Mohit, Shailendra, Netrapal, Anjani, Shripal, Ashish, Ravi, Bhure, Sachin, Kamlesh, Anand and Ankesh. They were rushed to the Pali Primary Health Centre, where they are undergoing treatment.
Family members said they were unaware how the pesticide container reached the curry vessel during or after preparation of the food.
Pali Station House Officer Vijay Kumar Mishra said the matter was under investigation.
“The incident has come to our notice. A detailed investigation is being carried out. Further legal action will be taken after receiving a complaint from the affected family,” he said.
Police are probing whether the pesticide fell into the curry accidentally or whether there was any conspiracy behind the incident, he added. PTI COR KIS MDO MDO
