Delhi Police at PS Jahangirpuri received reports on Tuesday of a large number of people feeling unwell, reportedly after consuming Kuttu Atta, a vrat-friendly (for fasting) flour used during Navratri when devotees avoid grains, wheat, rice, and lentils.

Dr Vishesh Yadav, CMO at BJRM Hospital, said, “Around 150–200 residents from Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park, Samaypur, Bhalswa Dairy, Lal Bagh, and Swaroop Nagar visited the Emergency Ward with complaints of vomiting.”

Authorities sensitising locals

Local shopkeepers, vendors, and residents are being informed and sensitised through beat staff and public address systems. The Food Department has also been alerted to take the neccassary action.

Navratri fasting context

Navratri, one of India’s most celebrated Hindu festivals, lasts nine days and involves fasting, devotion, and rituals. Kuttu ka Aata (buckwheat flour) and Singhara ka Aata (water chestnut flour) are commonly used for puris, pakoras, and rotis.

In past, many residents had stomach ache, diarrhoea and vomiting complaints, due to having Buckwheat (Kuttu Ka Atta) for dinner.