One dies, 70 fall ill after consuming biryani during Muharram procession in UP's Saharanpur

Saharanpur: One person died and nearly 70 others fell ill allegedly after consuming 'sharbat' and biryani during a Muharram procession in Nanauta area of this district, police said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday night, they said.

District Magistrate Manish Bansal said about 70 people complained of vomiting after having biryani and 'sharbat' (sweetened drink) who were immediately admitted to the primary health centre, district hospital, and a private hospital.

One person who was referred to a higher centre for treatment died on the way, the DM said, adding condition of others is normal.

The deceased has been identified as Shabi Haider (60), a resident of Sheikhjadgan locality in Nanauta police station area.

It is being investigated whether the food and drinks caused the illness of the people, the Saharanpur Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr Praveen Kumar said, adding some people were sent back home after treatment.

District Magistrate Bansal said samples of food and drinks have been sent for testing.

"People of a community consumed biryani and sharbat in a locality of Nanauta town, after which about 70 people complained of vomiting and food poisoning.

"Currently, 54 people are hospitalised while 15 have been discharged after treatment. Condition of all patients is normal," Bansal said.

Police are present on the spot and law and order situation is normal, the DM said.