At least 175 people, mostly children, fell ill after consuming allegedly contaminated food at a Mahashivratri fair in Jharkhand's Palamu district. The incident occurred in Dwarka village, where patients reported vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. The health department has arranged additional medicines and medical personnel.
People in Dwarka village, under Panki Police Station limits in Jharkhand's Palamu district, began falling ill on Sunday night (February 15, 2026). Palamu Civil Surgeon Dr. Anil Kumar Shrivastav stated that 175 individuals were admitted to the Panki Community Health Centre (CHC), though only 22 remain under treatment. Initial symptoms point to food poisoning, with the exact cause to be determined by investigation reports.
The affected consumed contaminated food items at a fair organized for Mahashivratri in the Raghua Khad area of Dwarka. Attendees came from Dwarka, Yadav Tola, Jamuatand, and nearby villages. Shrivastav said, “Altogether, 175 people were admitted to the Panki CHC, but now only 22 of them are undergoing treatment. The initial symptoms indicate food poisoning. The exact cause will only be ascertained after the investigation reports come."
The health department has provided extra medicines and medical staff. The civil surgeon instructed, “I have instructed the doctors to ensure proper treatment for the patients and make sure medicines, beds, and medical staff are available as required.” The department is fully alert for any emergency. Most patients are children, who are being continuously monitored.
