Navratri Nightmare: Over 150 Delhi Devotees Hospitalized After Contaminated Kuttu Atta Consumption

A wave of distress swept across Delhi during the sacred Navratri festival as more than 150 devotees fell severely ill after consuming Kuttu Atta (buckwheat flour) prepared for their fasts. The shocking incident, reminiscent of previous health scares during festive periods, has sparked widespread concern and immediate investigations by authorities.

Reports indicate that individuals from various parts of the city, including Sangam Vihar, Lajpat Nagar, Mayur Vihar, and other localities, began experiencing acute symptoms such as severe nausea, incessant vomiting, debilitating stomach aches, and giddiness shortly after their meals.

The sheer number of affected individuals overwhelmed local healthcare facilities, with many requiring urgent medical attention and hospitalization at prominent institutions like AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Max Hospital, Apollo Hospital, and Holy Family Hospital.

Initial suspicions point towards widespread adulteration or contamination of the Kuttu Atta supply.

This isn't the first time such an incident has marred Navratri celebrations; in 2021, over 50 people in Ghaziabad and Lucknow faced similar health crises due to contaminated buckwheat flour. The recurring nature of these incidents raises serious questions about the quality control and regulation of food items specifically consumed during fasting periods, which are often procured from specialized vendors.

Responding swiftly to the crisis, Delhi Police have registered multiple cases related to the sale of adulterated food, signaling a serious crackdown on those responsible.

The Food Safety Department has launched a comprehensive investigation, collecting samples of Kuttu Atta from various vendors and markets across the city for rigorous testing. Their findings will be crucial in identifying the source of contamination and bringing perpetrators to justice.

Health officials have urged the public to exercise extreme caution when purchasing and consuming food items, especially during festivals.

Advisories recommend buying ingredients from trusted sources, checking packaging for expiration dates and certifications, and reporting any suspicious products. For those observing fasts, preparing meals at home with fresh, verifiable ingredients remains the safest option to avoid such alarming health risks.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of food safety, particularly for vulnerable populations and during times of religious observance.

As the investigations continue, the focus remains on ensuring the full recovery of all affected individuals and implementing stricter measures to prevent such a public health crisis from recurring.