Food Poisoning Horror at Tamil Nadu Temple Fest: 85 Rushed to Hospital
Madurai (Tamil Nadu): A temple festival in Tamil Nadu’s Virudhunagar district took a disturbing turn on Wednesday after at least 85 people were hospitalised due to suspected food poisoning. The affected individuals had consumed food served as part of the celebrations before they began experiencing symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness.
The patients were rushed to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, where they are currently receiving treatment. According to the hospital’s Dean, all of them are in stable condition, and their vitals are being closely monitored. “A few others have been admitted to hospitals in Virudhunagar as well,” the Dean added. Health authorities have launched an investigation to identify the exact cause of the food contamination.
The food served during temple festivals often comes from community kitchens or donations, and safety standards can sometimes be overlooked due to high footfall and limited oversight. The health department is now collecting food samples and statements from those involved in the preparation and distribution.
This incident follows closely on the heels of another major food poisoning case in Hyderabad, where over 90 patients fell ill at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda after consuming contaminated food on June 2. Tragically, one patient, identified as Karan, succumbed despite resuscitation attempts.
In response, the Telangana government terminated the contract of the diet supplier, G. Jaipal Reddy, citing “gross negligence” and “serious breach of contract.” Hyderabad District Collector Anudeep Durishetty reported an outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting, with cases rising rapidly within hours. By June 3 evening, 60–70 additional patients were showing symptoms.
State Medical and Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha visited the affected patients and expressed grief over the incident. In a statement on X, he confirmed that all affected individuals are now stable and under observation. He further assured the public that strict measures are being implemented to avoid such incidents in future, including tighter regulations for hospital diet contractors.
*చిన్నారి సహస్రకు అండగా ఆరోగ్యశాఖ మంత్రి దామోదర రాజనర్సింహ*
*ఉచితంగా వైద్యం అందించాలని ఉన్నతాధికారులను ఆదేశించిన మంత్రి*
ఈ నెల 5న పెద్దపల్లి జిల్లాలో జరిగిన ఓ రోడ్డు ప్రమాదంలో, అదే జిల్లాలోని బసంత్నగర్కు చెందిన గుంటిపల్లి రాము, ఆయన భార్య అనూష మరణించారు. వీరి మూడున్నర… pic.twitter.com/CbVJbwFiVg
— Damodar Raja Narasimha (@DamodarCilarapu) June 10, 2025
Both incidents have raised serious questions about food safety and hygiene in public institutions and community events, prompting calls for stricter oversight and routine health inspections across the country.
