HARDOI: 12 people fell ill after allegedly consuming curry mixed with pesticide during a feast organised following a death in a village.The incident occurred in Rahtaura village under the Pali police station area, where the affected people were admitted to a community health centre for treatment, news agency PTI reported.According to officials, the incident came to light after some people consuming the curry complained of an unusual and bitter taste.Some of them reportedly experienced nausea and dizziness, following which the family stopped serving the food.During an inspection of the large utensil in which the curry was prepared, family members allegedly found an open container of “sulphas” pesticide at the bottom of the vessel.The revelation soon raised suspicion that the food may have been contaminated, officials said.The feast was organised after the “purification” rituals following the death of Sandeep, brother of Rahtaura resident Netrapal.Relatives and other guests had gathered for the programme when the incident took place, officials added.Police identified the affected persons as Mohit, Shailendra, Netrapal, Anjani, Shripal, Ashish, Ravi, Bhure, Sachin, Kamlesh, Anand and Ankesh.They were taken to the Pali Primary Health Centre, where they are undergoing treatment, PTI reported.Family members said they were unaware of how the pesticide container reached the curry vessel during or after the preparation of the food.Pali station house officer Vijay Kumar Mishra said the matter was under investigation.“A detailed investigation is being carried out. Further legal action will be taken after receiving a complaint from the affected family,” he said.Police are investigating whether the pesticide accidentally fell into the curry or whether there was any conspiracy behind the incident, he added.(With agency inputs)
