A concerning incident has unfolded in Northwest Delhi, where approximately 200 individuals have been hospitalized with suspected food poisoning. The victims reportedly fell ill after consuming buckwheat flour (Kuttu atta) while observing Navratri fasts, according to police statements made on Tuesday, September 23, 2025.
Patients from several localities, including Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park, Samaypur, Bhalswa Dairy, Lal Bagh, and Swaroop Nagar, were admitted to local hospitals. Fortunately, police officials confirmed that all individuals are currently stable, and no critical cases have been reported.
The alarm was first raised around 6:10 a.m. on Tuesday when the Jahangirpuri police station began receiving a barrage of calls reporting numerous people falling sick. All initial reports pointed towards food prepared using Kuttu atta as the suspected cause.
Emergency teams were swiftly dispatched to BJRM Hospital. There, the chief medical officer confirmed that between 150 and 200 people had already arrived at the emergency ward since early morning, all exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning.
The suspected food poisoning outbreak understandably caused widespread concern and anxiety among residents, particularly given that many were observing fasts for the ongoing Navratri festival, relying on special dietary items like buckwheat flour.
In response, local police immediately initiated public awareness campaigns, using beat staff and public address systems to inform shopkeepers, vendors, and residents about the situation and prevent further incidents or panic.
The incident has been promptly reported to the Food Department, who will now undertake the necessary investigations. This includes conducting thorough quality checks on Kuttu atta currently available for sale in local markets to identify any contamination.
A police officer confirmed, “We are actively coordinating with both the Food Department and local health officials. Our primary focus is on raising community-level awareness to ensure the ongoing safety and well-being of the public.”