Indore Bhagirathpura: 6 Hospitalised After Eating Food Made With Boring Water on Feb 23

Six people were hospitalised in Indore on February 23 after eating food made with boring water. This is a new health scare after a water contamination issue.
By Newsroom | Health, India |

Several individuals have been hospitalised following the consumption of contaminated food in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, sparking fresh health concerns in a locality previously affected by a water contamination crisis. This recent event adds another layer to an ongoing public health situation that has seen numerous cases of vomiting and diarrhoea. The immediate aftermath of the food consumption has led to hospital admissions, with authorities investigating the cause.

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The situation in Bhagirathpura, previously identified as an epicentre for water contamination, continues to be a point of concern. This latest incident involving food raises questions about food safety and hygiene practices within the community. The health department's response and investigation are underway to determine the source of contamination and prevent further occurrences.

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Timeline of Events and Key Actors

The events leading to the recent hospitalisations are situated within a broader context of health issues in Bhagirathpura.

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  • Late December 2025: A vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak, attributed by local residents and the Congress party to contaminated drinking water, began in Bhagirathpura.

  • January 2026:

  • Reports indicated a significant number of patients admitted to hospitals, with figures reaching 446 by January 8, and 142 undergoing treatment on January 5.

  • Dr. Madhav Hasani, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), confirmed the rising number of cases and hospital admissions.

  • Water samples collected on December 29 and 30 showed no chemical components, according to Indore collector Shivam Verma.

  • The National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI) sent a team to investigate the health crisis.

  • Water supply to the area was halted, and the Indore Municipal Corporation provided water through tankers.

  • February 2026:

  • On February 19, amid discussions in the state assembly, Health Minister Rajendra Shukla stated that 22 deaths had occurred in Bhagirathpura due to contaminated water. He also mentioned that Rs 2 lakh compensation was provided to the families of each deceased.

  • Local residents and the Congress party claimed a higher death toll, reaching 35.

  • On February 23, six people were admitted to the Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital after consuming contaminated food. This event occurred on a Monday, with initial reports indicating the health issues began on Sunday.

  • Approximately 60 people reportedly consumed food at a birthday party in Bhagirathpura late Saturday night, leading to health problems for some on Sunday.

  • The food items included dal-baffle, laddu, and other dishes.

  • Dr. Madhav Hasani stated that boring water was used in the food preparation.

  • Local police and the Food Department collected samples from the site.

Evidence of Contamination and Health Impact

Multiple reports detail the scale of the health crisis and the suspected causes.

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  • Hospitalisations: Six individuals were admitted to the Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital after consuming contaminated food. The CMHO confirmed these patients are recovering well.

  • Reported Deaths:

  • Health Minister Rajendra Shukla stated 22 deaths occurred in Bhagirathpura due to contaminated water.

  • Local residents and the Congress party asserted that the total death toll reached 35.

  • One death was reported in the diarrhoea-affected area of Bhagirathpura around January 22.

  • Case Numbers:

  • Over 1,500 people were affected by the water-borne disease outbreak.

  • 65 cases of diarrhoea were reported in Bhagirathpura in the 10 days preceding January 22.

  • A total of 446 patients had been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began, as of January 8.

  • On January 4, 20 new diarrhoea cases were detected during a survey, with 142 patients undergoing treatment in hospitals, including 11 in ICUs. 256 patients had been discharged by that date.

  • Suspected Source:

  • Local residents and the Congress party pointed to contaminated drinking water as the cause of the initial outbreak.

  • In the recent food-related incident, boring water was reportedly used in cooking the food.

Community and Political Responses

The health crisis has prompted responses from local communities, political parties, and government bodies.

  • Government Actions:

  • The Madhya Pradesh government has claimed to have taken steps to counter the outbreak.

  • Compensation of Rs 2 lakh has been provided to the families of deceased individuals, according to Health Minister Rajendra Shukla.

  • Water supply to Bhagirathpura was stopped, and the Indore Municipal Corporation provided water via tankers.

  • Medical kits were distributed to households, benefiting a significant number of residents.

  • Political Involvement:

  • The Congress party has been vocal, claiming a higher death toll and organising protests, including a planned Nyay Yatra.

  • Discussions regarding the health crisis took place in the state assembly.

  • Community Claims:

  • Local residents and the Congress party have presented higher figures for the number of deaths.

  • Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the use of boring water for cooking.

Expert and Official Statements

Statements from health officials and external bodies shed light on the unfolding situation.

  • Dr. Madhav Hasani (CMHO):

  • Confirmed the hospitalisation of six individuals following the food consumption, stating they are recovering.

  • Noted that boring water was used in the preparation of the food that led to recent illnesses.

  • Indore Collector Shivam Verma:

  • Reported that initial water samples from late December did not contain chemical components.

  • Health Minister Rajendra Shukla:

  • Stated that 22 deaths were linked to contaminated water and compensation had been disbursed.

  • National Institute for Research in Bacterial Infections (NIRBI):

  • A team from this institute arrived in Indore to investigate the health crisis.

Lingering Health Concerns in Bhagirathpura

The recent hospitalisations in Bhagirathpura underscore the persistent public health challenges in the area. While the government asserts that measures have been implemented following the water contamination crisis, the occurrence of foodborne illnesses indicates ongoing vulnerabilities. The conflicting accounts of the death toll and the ongoing detection of new cases suggest that a comprehensive understanding and resolution of the health issues in Bhagirathpura are still needed. Further investigation into food safety protocols and the quality of local water sources is essential to prevent future incidents and ensure community well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why were six people taken to the hospital in Indore on February 23?
Six people were hospitalised on February 23 in Indore's Bhagirathpura area after eating food that was prepared using boring water. They are now recovering.
Q: What food caused the sickness in Indore on February 23?
The food that made people sick on February 23 included dishes like dal-baffle and laddu. Boring water was used to cook these items.
Q: Is this food problem in Indore related to the earlier water problem?
Yes, this food problem happened in Bhagirathpura, an area that had a serious issue with contaminated drinking water in late 2025 and early 2026. This new event raises more health concerns.
Q: What are officials saying about the food incident in Indore on February 23?
The Chief Medical and Health Officer confirmed that boring water was used in the food. Samples were collected by the police and Food Department for testing.
Q: How many people were affected by the food in Indore on February 23?
Around 60 people reportedly ate food at a birthday party. Six of them became sick and were taken to the hospital. They are reported to be recovering well.