By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 31 Mar: More than 200 persons in Dehradun, particularly in Vikasnagar and Patel Nagar, fell ill after consuming buckwheat flour locally known as Kuttu Atta, leading to their admission to Coronation Hospital, Doon Hospital, and Mahant Indresh Hospital. The incident, which unfolded after meals prepared with buckwheat flour were consumed during the first Navratri, has raised a big alarm across the state. In view of the seriousness of the matter, Doon Police and administrative teams launched raids at locations linked to the supply of the suspected adulterated flour.
According to the officials, 105 patients are admitted in Coronation Hospital, 90 in Doon Medical College, while 30 patients are admitted in Mahant Indresh Hospital. City Magistrate Pratyush Singh (DMC) – SDM Kumkum Joshi (Coronation) and Hari Giri (Mahant Indresh) have been appointed by the DM for coordination.
Meanwhile, in information being received from Haridwar, at least 20 persons have taken ill there also after consuming the adulterated buckwheat flour.
Speaking to media persons, Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh stated that the health of affected individuals deteriorated late last evening and early this morning. Patients revealed that they had purchased the flour from various outlets. He added that, acting on this information, authorities quickly mobilised to address the situation. According to Singh, police investigations led to the identification of 22 establishments where the adulterated flour was sold. These outlets have been sealed, and the flour confiscated to prevent further harm.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed the police and administration to conduct raids on suspected locations and seize the adulterated flour. A police team was also dispatched to Saharanpur, where the flour is believed to have originated, to coordinate with local authorities. Preparations are underway to seal the ‘factory’ responsible for manufacturing the contaminated product.
Ajai Singh also confirmed that a complaint has been filed by the Food Inspector, requesting a formal case be registered and action taken against those responsible for the adulteration. Police investigations are ongoing, with shopkeepers selling the flour being interrogated. Singh assured that all hospitalised individuals are now stable and receiving appropriate care.
Meanwhile, in Haridwar, the health of at least 20 persons was reported to have deteriorated after consuming kuttu atta during the Navratri fast, resulting in their hospitalisation. CMO, Haridwar, RK Singh visited the hospital to assess the condition of the patients and issued necessary instructions to the medical staff.
Doctors reported that the affected individuals experienced symptoms such as vomiting, stomach-ache, and dizziness. Preliminary investigations suggest that adulteration in the flour may have caused the incident. CMO RK Singh urged the public to exercise caution while purchasing Kuttu Atta and to avoid adulterated products. The administration has initiated an inquiry, and the Food Department has been directed to send samples of the suspected flour for analysis.
Following the incident, the health department announced plans to launch an awareness campaign to prevent such occurrences in the future.
