Navratri celebrations began on a grim note in north and north-west Delhi as hundreds were hospitalised after consuming adulterated flour. Nearly 370 people rushed to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial (BJRM) Hospital on Monday night after eating kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour) that left them nauseous and weak. By Tuesday morning, the hospital reported close to 400 admissions linked to the contaminated flour.
The incident shocked residents who had gathered with their families for the first Navratri fast. Instead of joy and devotion, panic swept through neighbourhoods when people started falling sick within hours of their meals. Several families said that multiple members suffered vomiting, stomach pain, and dizziness.
Doctors at BJRM Hospital confirmed that most patients showed symptoms of food poisoning. Medical teams were put on alert and additional staff joined in to manage the large influx. Fortunately, most of the patients were reported to be stable by Tuesday afternoon, though many continued to receive treatment.
The Delhi government has ordered an investigation into the source of the adulterated flour. Health officials are working to trace the supply chain and collect samples for testing. AAP leaders alleged that food adulteration rackets thrive because of weak monitoring and political protection. They demanded strict action against traders who supplied the unsafe flour.
The BJP-led government has not yet responded to these allegations, sparking further criticism from opposition leaders. Residents, meanwhile, have been advised to purchase flour only from trusted outlets and to check packaging carefully during the festive season.
This health scare has cast a shadow over Navratri festivities. For many families, what should have been a sacred beginning turned into a night spent in hospital wards. The incident also raised wider concerns about food safety standards, particularly during festivals when demand for ingredients like kuttu ka atta rises sharply.
