Tragedy struck Gariaband, Chhattisgarh, transforming wedding joy into a fight for survival for 44 villagers poisoned by feast food. Two panchayat communities reel from the aftermath, with hospitals swamped and officials racing against time.
The affected hailed from Mohlai under Aamdi panchayat, who celebrated a Chauthiya rite in Kutenna, and Boirgaon under Darripara, guests at Dhavalpura’s banquet. Post-feast, all appeared well Saturday evening—until morning sickness erupted violently.
Dawn heralded mass suffering: gut-wrenching pain, profuse vomiting, and diarrhea felled dozens. Ambulance wails echoed as the sick flooded Kosmi health center, straining its capacity to the limit.
Mohali reports 17 critical cases; Boirgaon’s 27 are worse off. Overburdened staff battle on, bolstered by mobile units patrolling villages for more casualties. The crisis shows no signs of abating.
Sarpanchs stand resolute: Atmaram Netam and Rajkumar Sori monitor treatments and rally support. Administrative machinery whirs into action with comprehensive surveys underway.
Suspicions fix on contaminated cuisine from the weddings. Seasonal heat waves accelerate spoilage, and lapses in preparation hygiene are probable factors. Food samples await forensic scrutiny. This incident spotlights food safety gaps in rural celebrations, as recovery efforts dominate the narrative.