Jharkhand: 6-Year-Old Dies, Several Fall Ill After Eating Pani-Puri

A tragic suspected food poisoning incident linked to pani-puri has claimed the life of a six-year-old boy and left 18 others—mostly children—ill in Jharkhand’s Giridih district, officials said. The incident occurred in Bajto village under the Muffasil police station area on Saturday, after villagers allegedly consumed pani-puri sold by a roadside vendor. According to locals, the vendor was going door-to-door selling the popular street snack when multiple people, including children, purchased and consumed it. Within hours, those who had eaten the pani-puri began experiencing severe symptoms such as high fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The situation worsened overnight, prompting villagers to rush the affected individuals to Sadar Hospital on Sunday morning.

Despite medical efforts, a six-year-old boy succumbed during treatment, leaving the village in deep shock and mourning. The remaining 18 patients are currently undergoing treatment and are said to be in stable condition, with doctors closely monitoring their recovery. Authorities have launched an investigation into the suspected food poisoning case. The pani-puri vendor, identified as a resident of Palmo, is currently absconding. Civil Surgeon Dr Bachcha Prasad Singh confirmed that all patients had consumed pani-puri and said the exact cause of the illness will be determined after laboratory reports are received. Police and administrative officials visited the hospital, interacted with patients and their families, and reviewed the treatment arrangements. Health officials are also examining food samples and assessing hygiene practices linked to the vendor.

In a separate suspected food poisoning case in Mumbai, a family of four died after reportedly consuming watermelon following a family gathering at their residence in the JJ Marg area.

The victims—Abdullah (40), his wife Nasrin (35), and their daughters Zainab (13) and Ayesha (16)—fell ill shortly after the gathering on April 25. According to officials, while guests who consumed chicken pulao remained unaffected, the family later ate watermelon and soon developed symptoms such as vomiting and giddiness. They were initially taken to a private hospital and later shifted to Sir JJ Hospital as their condition deteriorated. All four succumbed on Sunday. Prima facie findings suggest food poisoning linked to the watermelon, though investigations are ongoing.