At least 175 people fell ill after consuming food at a Mahashivratri fair in Dwarka village in Palamu district of Jharkhand on 15 February 2026. The incident occurred during a religious gathering attended by residents from nearby villages, including Yadav Tola and Jamuatand.
Health officials confirmed that the affected individuals developed symptoms shortly after consuming food served at the fair. Most of those who reported illness were children. Authorities transported patients to the Panki Community Health Centre (CHC) for treatment and observation.
Patients reported vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain within hours of eating the food distributed at the event. The sudden onset of similar symptoms among a large group prompted health authorities to suspect food contamination as the cause.
Local administration responded quickly after the first group of patients arrived at the CHC late Sunday night. Medical teams admitted the affected individuals and began supportive treatment. Officials later stated that most patients were stable, though some continued to remain under observation.
The Palamu district administration dispatched additional medical personnel and supplies to manage the surge in cases. Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar Shrivastav confirmed that healthcare teams provided continuous monitoring and treatment to prevent complications.
Authorities placed nearby health facilities on alert as a precautionary measure. Officials also began reviewing the food preparation and distribution process at the fair to identify the possible source of contamination.
Health officials have initiated an investigation to determine how the food became contaminated. While contaminated food is suspected, authorities stated that laboratory reports are required for confirmation.
Officials are expected to examine food samples and gather information from vendors and organizers associated with the event. The findings will help determine accountability and guide preventive measures for future gatherings.
The incident has raised concern among residents in Palamu district. Large religious fairs draw significant crowds, often including families and children. The sudden illness of more than 170 attendees placed immediate pressure on local healthcare facilities.
As of the latest updates reported by media outlets, most patients have shown improvement following treatment. Health officials continue to monitor the situation to ensure no new cases emerge.
Authorities remain focused on identifying the source of contamination and preventing similar incidents in the future.
(Rh/SS)