40 take ill due to food contamination

The residents, including children, suffered acute stomachache, vomiting and dysentry early morning. They were immediately rushed to the primary health centre (PHC).

Nearly 25 people were admitted to the PHC. Jayamma and Krishnappa were shifted to a hospital in Koppa as their condition was critical. Others are recovering, said a doctor at the PHC.

Though sources in the hospital blamed the consumption of polluted water from a stream  for the illness, there were rumours that they took ill after eating chicken distributed by a candidate for the panchayat polls.

The District Malaria Eradication Centre Officer visited the spot and sent the sample of the drinking  water for forensic tests.