Sweets distributed on Telangana Formation Day suspected to be cause of food poisoning at IMH Erragadda

The food poisoning at Institute of Mental Health (IMH, Erragadda, left one person dead and 92 people ill. The image is used for representative purposes only. | Photo Credit: NAGARA GOPAL

Sweets distributed to inmates at the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), Erragadda, as part of Telangana Formation Day celebrations on Monday (June 2, 2025) are suspected to have caused a major food poisoning incident that left 92 people ill, and one dead.

The Non-DC ward of the hospital, where the sweets were served, reported a sudden spike in complaints of nausea, vomiting, and uneasiness shortly after 6 p.m on June 2. As of Wednesday (June 4), 74 patients remained under observation at IMH, while 18 were shifted to Osmania General Hospital for further care. Hospital officials said they are in a stable condition.

On Wednesday morning, the hospital premises slowly returned to routine as doctors resumed duties and patients’ attendants waited anxiously. Meanwhile, senior health officials, including Director of Medical Education A. Narendra Kumar and Telangana Vaidya Vidhana Parishad Commissioner Ajaya Kumar, visited the hospital for a detailed review and held a brief meeting with hospital superintendent Anitha Rayirala before inspecting the affected ward.

Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, who arrived at IMH to take stock of the situation, told reporters that preliminary findings suggest the sweets distributed on the occasion could be the cause. “Initial reports indicate that the water supply is largely safe. There is a strong possibility that this was a case of food poisoning due to the sweets. We have terminated the diet contractor’s services as a precautionary measure,” he said.

Samples of the food and water have been collected for laboratory analysis. An internal inquiry is underway, and a detailed report is expected in the coming days, the minister said.

Published - June 04, 2025 12:36 pm IST