1 Dead, Many Hospitalised After Allegedly Eating 'Prasad' At Karnataka Temple

A 65-year-old woman died and 135 others were hospitalised in a suspected case of food poisoning in Hoskote in Bengaluru Rural limits, police said on Monday.

The victim has been identified as Siddagangamma, a resident of Kaveringar in Hoskote, they said.

Police said they suspect the cause of food poisoning to be an edible offering at a place of worship in the area.

Some of those hospitalised have been discharged while others are still undergoing treatment. The Health Department is closely monitoring the situation.

As of now, it is suspected to be a case of food poisoning, but since the investigation is in the initial stage, the exact cause cannot be ascertained at present, they added.

A preliminary inquiry has revealed that on Saturday, most of them had visited a temple in Hoskote town where they ate 'prasad'. A day later, a few among those complained of dysentery and vomiting after which they rushed to hospitals for treatment.

A woman who complained of similar symptoms was admitted to one of these hospitals on Sunday afternoon and died this morning, a senior police officer said.

Many others also were admitted to hospitals on Sunday morning and complained about dysentery and vomiting.

"We had information that about 70 people have been admitted to different hospitals. Later, we got to know that 65 more people were admitted. The health department has identified five hospitals in which maximum patients have been admitted. Looking at the situation, in one of the hospitals, they have dedicated an entire floor to treat ICU patients," the police official said.

"Patients suspect that the prasad they ate at the temple on Saturday must have led to alleged food poisoning. But there were also others who did not eat the prasad and yet developed dysentery and vomiting. So it needs to be verified," he added.

"We have started recording statements of these patients. We have received a complaint from the health department, based on which we have registered a case under Section 278 (Making atmosphere noxious to health) of the Indian Penal Code against unidentified persons at Hoskote police station. Our investigation is underway and will take necessary action accordingly," he added. 

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