What Happened in Hyderabad? Two Lives Lost Due to Adulterated Toddy

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Two fatalities linked to adulterated toddy in Hyderabad.
- 17 individuals hospitalized with severe symptoms.
- Authorities have taken swift action against several toddy shops.
- Legal cases filed and shops sealed.
- Community and officials demand better oversight.
Hyderabad, July 9 (NationPress) Tragically, two individuals have lost their lives, while 17 others fell ill after ingesting contaminated toddy in the Kukatpally region of Hyderabad.
A man succumbed to his condition while receiving treatment at Gandhi Hospital on Wednesday, whereas a woman passed away at a private healthcare facility.
Sita Ram (47), originally from Wanaparthy district and residing in Hydernagar, was pronounced dead at Gandhi Hospital.
Previously, a woman had passed away at a private hospital. Relatives of Swarupa were preparing to conduct her final rites when police intervened, transferring her body to the Gandhi Hospital mortuary for an autopsy. She was identified as Swarupa (65).
The affected individuals, including four women, were admitted to three separate hospitals overnight, with one person reported to be in critical condition.
According to officials, 15 patients were transported to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), while two were taken to Gandhi Hospital.
These individuals are believed to have consumed toddy at various shops in Hydernagar between Sunday and Tuesday, displaying symptoms such as low blood sugar, dizziness, and diarrhea. They initially received treatment at private healthcare facilities.
Upon receiving the information, police and the Prohibition and Excise Department arranged for 12 individuals to be transferred to NIMS on Tuesday, which later increased to 18 late at night. A 78-year-old man is currently in critical condition.
Officials from the Prohibition and Excise Department have initiated five legal cases against toddy shops in Hyderanagar, Shamshiguda, and KPHB Colony. They have sealed the establishments and confiscated 674 liters of toddy. Samples of the toddy have been sent for chemical analysis.
Law enforcement has arrested five individuals in connection with this incident.
The Excise Department is monitoring private hospitals in Kukatpally and surrounding areas to determine if further individuals are presenting with similar symptoms.
Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao visited NIMS Hospital on Wednesday to check on the affected individuals and spoke with medical staff about their conditions. He later informed the media that strict measures would be enforced against those accountable for the adulteration.
Kukatpally MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao and Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi also visited hospitals to meet with the affected individuals. They accused the Prohibition and Excise Department of negligence, demanding strict actions against those at fault.
The MLAs emphasized that despite previous complaints, the Excise Department failed to take adequate measures to combat adulterated toddy. They urged the government to extend all necessary assistance to the affected individuals.