Suspected food poisoning at temple ceremony claims 1 life, hospitalizes 51 in Tripura

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By  Firstdespatch Desk   Jul 15, 2024

Agartala, July 15 (FD) A 59-year-old man died, and 51 others fell ill due to suspected food poisoning after consuming prasad (holy offering) at a Shiva temple inauguration ceremony in the North Tripura district, police reported on Monday.

The deceased, Shailendra Debnath, attended the ceremony at Arun Debnath’s house in Dewanpasa Gram Panchayat, Dharmanagar, on Thursday, July 11. Symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache appeared soon after consuming the prasad, leading to multiple hospital admissions.

Shailendra was admitted to a nursing home in Sakaibari, where he died on Saturday night. Other victims are receiving treatment at Dharmanagar district hospital, Sakaibari nursing home, and Banrang hospitals.

North District Superintendent of Police Bhanupada Chakraborty stated that no complaints had been filed by the deceased's family. The food safety department is investigating the spices used in the prasad. Anik Debnath, the deceased’s son, along with other relatives, suspects food poisoning, urging a thorough investigation. FD SB