Srinagar: At least 49 persons, mostly children, were hospitalized on developing stomach-related complications purportedly after consuming ‘Tahaer (turmeric yellow rice)’ and “something more” in Zaigipora area of Charar-e-Sharif in central Kashmir’s Budgam district this evening.
Reports said that panic gripped Zaigipora village in Chrowni block, after people, mainly children, complained of stomach ache. The persons believed to have consumed traditional ‘Tahaer’ were subsequently removed to different hospitals, including three to SMHS Hospital Srinagar.
Confirming it, Chief Medical Officer Budgam, Tajamul Khan said that among them, 24 children were removed to GB Pant Hospital; three to SMHS and the rest have been kept under observation at SDH Charar-e-Sharif. “They are reported to have consumed the (Tahaer). However there is something else which they have consumed which is not forthcoming”, he said.
When asked about the condition of three persons referred to SMHS Hospital, he said that it was done as a sort of precautionary measure as they were not stable at that time.
“We have sent additional staff to the area to avoid any exigency”, he added. (GNS)