Ballia: The number of people who fell ill after consuming rotis made from suspected contaminated finger millet (ragi) rose to 63, including 11 children, in Uttar Pradesh’s Ballia district, an official said Saturday.
The incident took place in Chhata village under the Bansdih Road police station area Friday, ahead of the Jitiya fast, a three-day Hindu festival in which women observe a fast to pray for the long life of their children. At that time, 47 people, including 10 children, were affected.
“A large number of women, children, and men fell ill Friday in Chokan and Chhata (Aschaura) villages of the Bansdih tehsil area after consuming rotis made from finger millet flour. The total number of affected patients has reached 63,” District Magistrate (DM) of Ballia Gyanendra Singh told the media.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Abhay Narayan Rai told the media that among the 63 patients, three were taken to a private hospital at the district headquarters, another three to the Community Health Centre in Bansdih, and the remaining patients to the district hospital.
He added that the patients include 11 minors, while 15 are men, and the rest are women.
After a large number of women fell ill in Chokan and Chata (Aaschaura) villages, the administration and the health department immediately admitted them to the district hospital and other medical facilities.
Friday, the DM visited the district hospital and instructed doctors to ensure that the patients receive the best possible care.
A specialised medical team was assigned to treat the critically ill patients.
The DM and Superintendent of Police (SP) Omveer Singh also visited the affected villages to gather details about the incident by speaking with the families of the ailing women.
According to family members, the finger millet flour was purchased from a vendor named Sonu Verma.
The women reportedly fell ill after consuming the rotis made from this flour, which was eaten as ‘prasad’.
Madhuri, one of the women who was admitted to the hospital, said she fell ill after consuming the flour.
Pankaj Kumar, a resident of Chhata village, said those who consumed the ragi flour-made rotis experienced body tremors, with some women losing consciousness.
Jitiya, also known as Jivitputrika Vrat, is a Hindu festival during which mothers observe a fast and perform rituals for the well-being, prosperity and longevity of their children.
Women traditionally consume ragi flour with satputia vegetable before beginning the fast.