More than 200 people were hospitalised in northwest Delhi on Tuesday after consuming suspected adulterated buckwheat flour (kuttu ka atta), widely used during Navratri fasts. The incident has sparked a public health scare and prompted an official probe.
Symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and diarrhea, were reported by residents in the early morning, with the first emergency calls coming from Jahangirpuri around 6:00 AM. Most affected individuals were fasting for Navratri and had consumed buckwheat-based foods the previous night.
Patients were taken to local hospitals, including Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital, where over 200 cases of suspected food poisoning were recorded. Most cases were mild, and many patients were discharged after initial treatment.
Cases were concentrated in localities such as Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park, Swaroop Nagar, Samaypur, Bhalswa Dairy, and Lal Bagh. Authorities suspect the illnesses were caused by a contaminated batch of flour sold by vendors in these areas.
The Delhi Police and Food Safety Department have begun an investigation. Samples of the flour are being tested, and officials have launched public warnings and vendor inspections. Loudspeaker announcements were made in affected areas, urging residents to avoid consuming unverified buckwheat flour.
“We suspect a specific batch was contaminated and widely distributed ahead of the festival,” a senior official said.
The incident has drawn criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which blamed the BJP-led Delhi government for failing to regulate food quality during festivals. Delhi minister Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the administration of ignoring health concerns while “celebrating with dandiya.”
Residents are advised to consume only sealed and branded flour and seek medical help if symptoms appear. Authorities are tracing supply chains and have promised strict action against those responsible for the adulteration.
With Navratri ongoing, officials stress the importance of food safety vigilance amid rising demand for fasting-related products.
Also Read: Bill Gates Donates $912M to Fight Global Diseases
