In a major development, nearly 50 people have fallen sick allegedly after eating 'Gajrela' in Ludhiana. According to reports, Gajrela was distributed as prasad at Gurdwara Thada Sahib in Ayali Khurd village on Wednesday morning.
The affected devotees, including elderly persons, women and children, complained of loose motions and vomiting soon after that and were rushed to various hospitals in Ludhiana.
Hospital authorities said all patients are stable and several were discharged after being administered first aid.
A Doctor at the hospital said, "These patients came after eating gajrela. Almost all the patients are experiencing the same problems- vomiting and dehydration. They are also complaining of stomach pain."
These are all common symptoms, so I think this is all due to food poisoning. Whether something was mixed in the gajrela or not, all this will be known only after the investigation."
According to reports, the Health Department has initiated an immediate investigation. A team of doctors reportedly visited Ayali Kalan on Wednesday to assess the situation.
Preliminary findings indicated that while the gajrela was freshly prepared in the morning, the second batch served to devotees was linked to the illnesses.
Reports further suggest that the Health Department also conducted a door-to-door survey in the area as a precautionary measure. Several people were found exhibiting symptoms of food poisoning.
However, all 50 individuals admitted to private hospitals have since been discharged and are recovering at home.
As part of the investigation, the health team collected samples from the sweet shop that prepared the gajrela. Samples of ghee and khoya from the batch distributed at the Gurudwara have been sent for lab testing. Further action will depend on the results of these tests.
