Around 100 villagers, including children, fell ill after allegedly consuming ‘prasad’ on the occasion of Maha Shivratri in Bihar’s Khagaria district, officials said on Wednesday (February 18, 2026).
All are now stated to be out of danger.
The incident occurred on late Tuesday night (February 17, 2026) at Nayagaon Panchkhutti hamlet under Parbatta police station limits, triggering panic among residents.
On being informed, Panchayat head Ram Vinay Kumar alerted the medical officer in charge of the nearby Community Health Centre (CHC), following which a medical team rushed to the village and set up a health camp at the Kali temple premises.
Medical Officer In-charge Kashish said the illness appeared to be a case of food poisoning linked to the consumption of prasad. “The team responded promptly, and all patients have been given necessary treatment. Their condition is stable, and they are out of danger,” he said.
A few children who were reported to be in serious condition were referred to a hospital in Parbatta for better treatment, officials said.
Doctors have urged villagers to maintain hygiene and ensure safe distribution of food during religious and social gatherings to avoid such incidents in the future.
Published – February 19, 2026 06:39 am IST
