Bengaluru: More than 200 people fell ill after consuming prasad during Ram Navami celebrations in Bengaluru Rural district in Karnataka. The incident reportedly took place in Bettanahalli village of the state. All of them have been shifted to different hospitals for treatment.

Sharing details, the authorities said villagers started experiencing symptoms on Sunday after consuming the prasad. Some patients who were in serious conditions have been shifted through ambulances. As per the official, around 400 people might have been affected.

Officials did not arrive on time: Locals

Locals further alleged that officials did not immediately reach the village after the incident. They added that only health officials reached there on time and helped those affected by consuming the prasad.

After visiting the hospital to review the situation, District Health Officer Lakka Krishnareddy, said that patients started showing symptoms like vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea, and extreme fatigue after eating the prasad.

Officials then deployed ASHA workers and Rapid Response Team (RRT) members, who started conducting door-to-door checks to find out about the cases and help patients with early medical assistance.

Samples of food and water collected

Authorities have also collected samples of the food, which was served during the Ram Navami celebration, as well as water used during the preparation. While samples have been sent for testing, the probe is on to find out the exact cause of food contamination.