In a shocking turn of events, what was meant to be a joyous wedding celebration in Chhattisgarh’s Gariaband district has spiraled into a public health crisis. Over 44 villagers from two separate communities fell violently ill after consuming food at wedding feasts, leading to a frantic rush to local hospitals early Sunday morning.
The incidents unfolded across two gram panchayats: Aamdi and Darripara. Residents from Mohlai village under Aamdi panchayat had attended a ‘Chauthiya’ ceremony in Kutenna, while those from Boirgaon under Darripara panchayat participated in a feast in Dhavalpura. Everything seemed fine as guests returned home Saturday night, savoring the festive meals.
But dawn brought horror. As the sun rose, symptoms exploded: severe vomiting, diarrhea, and excruciating stomach pain gripped the attendees. Within hours, ambulances blared through the villages, ferrying the afflicted to the Kosmi sub-health center.
Of the victims, 17 from Mohlai are in serious condition, while 27 from Boirgaon face even graver risks. The health facility is overwhelmed, with beds scarce and medical teams working overtime. Mobile health units are now scouring homes in the affected areas to identify more cases.
Local leaders have stepped up. Aamdi sarpanch Atmaram Netam and Darripara sarpanch Rajkumar Sori are on-site, coordinating with health officials to ensure rapid treatment. Administrative circles are buzzing with urgency as surveys continue door-to-door.
Preliminary investigations point to food poisoning, likely from contaminated wedding dishes. In the scorching summer heat, improper food storage or hygiene lapses could be culprits. Samples from the feasts may soon undergo lab testing. For now, saving lives remains paramount in this rural nightmare.