Four die, 20 ill after shraddha feast in Odisha

Four people died and over 20 fell ill after consuming food at a shraddha ceremony in Odisha’s Sundargarh district, officials said on Sunday. The incident occurred in Nuadihi village under Hemgir block. Victims from Nuadihi and neighbouring Sunakhaen village in Jharsuguda district complained of vomiting, stomach pain and severe weakness. Two women from Jharsuguda and two from Sundargarh died during treatment. The deceased were identified as Mangal Sai Naik, Raibari Pradhan, Ullas Khadia and Sukanti Khadia.

Sundargarh Chief District Medical Officer Suresh Chandra Mohanty said around 28 people fell sick, with six referred to a hospital in Sundargarh and one to VIMSAR, Burla. Jharsuguda Collector Chavan Kunal Motiram said a medical team was sent and food samples sent for testing. Health minister Mukesh Mahaling expressed grief and wished the affected a speedy recovery. Food poisoning is suspected, but the exact cause will be confirmed after medical examination and laboratory testing.