Bokaro: The Giridih district administration on Monday constituted a team to investigate the alleged food poisoning incident that led to the death of a seven-year-old boy a day earlier. The boy died after consuming golgappas from a street vendor.
Hospitalisations Rise
While 18 people were admitted to Sadar Hospital with symptoms of food poisoning on Sunday, the number of hospitalisations rose to 49 on Monday. Officials reported that the street vendor, Obhilal Yadav, 39, whose golgappas allegedly caused the death and illnesses, was detained for questioning.
Vendor Detained, Samples Seized
Yadav was detained after officials searched his house in Palmo under Mufassil police station limits. Samples of chaat, along with packets of colouring agents, were seized. Sources indicated that Yadav was using colouring agents typically used for dyeing fabric.
District food safety officer Raja Kumar said, “The samples were sent to a laboratory in Kolkata for detailed examination. Preliminary findings have indicated the use of artificial colour in the chole mixture used in Golgappa.” Yadav told police that he had sold over 500 golgappas and portions of chaat on April 27, the day of the incident, as he moved through several villages in search of customers.
Deputy Commissioner's Remarks
Deputy commissioner Ram Niwas Yadav, who spoke to residents of Kumhargaria and Bajto villages, said, “Those who ate in the morning remained unaffected, but people who consumed snacks from this vendor later in the day fell ill. Symptoms worsened by Sunday morning, forcing many to turn up at Sadar Hospital.”
The investigation team will look into the source of the contaminated food and ensure strict action against those responsible. The incident has raised concerns about food safety in the district.
