Toddy Poisoning: Signs of Recovery Emerge, 49 Patients Remain Hospitalized

Speedy Summary

• 49 individuals remain hospitalized in Hyderabad after consuming allegedly adulterated toddy from depots in Kukatpally.
• Patients are receiving treatment at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (30) and Gandhi hospital (19).
• Two patients at Gandhi Hospital are reported to be in unstable condition, while 17 are stable. One patient left against medical advice.
• At NIMS, officials expect to discharge 10 patients on Saturday; five were discharged on Friday.
• Symptoms displayed by victims include diarrhoea, low blood pressure, dizziness, and fatigue. Teh incident began Tuesday night with ongoing new admissions.
• Eight deaths have been linked to the adulteration incident; six officially recorded by police with FIRs filed.
• Telangana Excise and Prohibition Department has arrested five individuals operating three toddy compounds allegedly involved.
• Authorities have collected samples for testing; investigation is ongoing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The alleged adulteration of toddy leading to hospitalizations and fatalities highlights possibly severe lapses in regulatory oversight concerning food and beverage safety. With eight deaths reported-six formally recorded-the urgency of law enforcement response underscores the gravity of this public health crisis. Arrests of implicated suspects signal initial accountability efforts but also call attention to gaps that enabled such unsafe practices.

Further investigation into the causes-including testing results from collected samples-will be critical in preventing recurrence through stricter controls on manufacturing processes or supply chain monitoring. For consumers’ safety going forward,ensuring swift implementation of reforms indicated by findings will likely emerge as a priority for state authorities.

Read more: Published – July 12, 2025