Bhubaneswar: In two separate tragic incidents linked to 10th-day ritual feasts, four persons including two women died due to suspected food poisoning in Jharsuguda and Sundargarh districts.
Around 15 others have fallen ill and are undergoing treatment. In the first incident in Sundargarh district, two persons died and at least 10 others suffered from severe diarrhea after consuming food at a 10th-day ritual feast in Nuadihi village under Hemagiri block.
The affected individuals were admitted to Hemagiri Government Hospital. Health officials suspect food poisoning as the cause. A joint investigation team comprising police and health department officials has been formed to determine the exact cause.
In a similar incident in Jharsuguda district, two women died in Atabira Sonakhain village under Lakhanpur block after eating food during a ritual feast. The deceased have been identified as Jhansi Khadia (40) and Sukanti Khadia (60). Both women had returned from work in Nuadihi village of Sundargarh district last Thursday. They fell ill after returning and were admitted to the Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital on Friday in critical condition. They succumbed to their illness late last night.
Doctors suspect food poisoning as the primary cause of death in both cases. Health teams are closely monitoring the condition of other affected individuals.
The incidents have caused widespread concern in the region. Authorities have urged people to maintain proper hygiene and caution while preparing and consuming food during community events and rituals.
Further investigations are underway in both districts to ascertain the exact source of contamination and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.