Poison in the Pot? Hyderabad Toddy Leaves 2 Dead
The first victim, Sita Ram (47), a resident of Hydernagar originally from Wanaparthy district, died while undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital on Wednesday.
Earlier, Swarupa (65), another resident who had also consumed toddy, passed away at a private hospital. Police intervened during preparations for her final rites and shifted her body to Gandhi Hospital for a post-mortem examination, as part of the legal and medical investigation.
Fatalities Reported
In a tragic incident in Hyderabad’s Kukatpally area, two individuals lost their lives and 17 others were hospitalized after consuming adulterated toddy, a locally fermented alcoholic drink. The affected individuals showed signs of serious poisoning, raising alarm over the safety and regulation of toddy sold in local markets.
Symptoms and Medical Response
The victims began showing symptoms such as:
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Dizziness
- Severe diarrhoea
Initially, many were taken to private clinics, but as their conditions worsened, 15 patients were transferred to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) and two to Gandhi Hospital.
A total of 18 people were admitted late Tuesday night. Among them, four were women, and a 78-year-old male patient remains in critical condition.
Source and Spread of the Contaminated Drink
Preliminary reports suggest that the contaminated toddy was consumed at various toddy shops in Hyderabad, between Sunday and Tuesday. This points to a batch-based adulteration, which likely affected multiple vendors.
Government Action and Investigation
Excise officials are now closely monitoring private hospitals in Kukatpally and nearby areas to identify any additional cases showing similar symptoms. This proactive surveillance is aimed at preventing further casualties and ensuring quick intervention for any new victims.
Political and Public Reactions
The incident has drawn strong criticism from local leaders. Kukatpally MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao and Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi visited affected patients and blamed the Excise Department for negligence, citing that prior complaints were ignored. They demanded strict action against responsible officials and full support for the affected families.
Why Early Intervention Matters
Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao visited NIMS Hospital and assured the public that stringent measures will be taken. He emphasized that those found guilty of deliberately adulterating the toddy will face serious consequences.
Conclusion
This incident underscores the urgent need for stringent regulation and quality checks on the sale of fermented and alcoholic beverages. Timely medical intervention helped save several lives, but the tragedy has already claimed two, and one remains in critical condition.
The case serves as a public health alert and highlights the importance of vigilant food and beverage safety oversight, particularly in unregulated or loosely monitored sectors.
Source: Inputs from various media Sources
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
