Over 100 policemen in Bihar’s Banka Police Lines were struck down by suspected food poisoning today, leading to a frenzied rush to local hospitals. The midday meal turned menacing, with symptoms exploding across the barracks.
It started innocently enough—personnel digging into fried rice and chickpea stew. But soon, waves of nausea hit, progressing to profuse vomiting and loose stools. The scale was unprecedented; medics on standby couldn’t keep pace, necessitating a convoy to Banka Sadar Hospital.
Top brass mobilized instantly. District Magistrate Navedeep Shukla and SP Upendranath Verma inspected the overwhelmed facility, prioritizing critical cases and securing additional IV fluids and monitoring equipment.
Focus has sharpened on the chana preparation. Investigators suspect sulpha pesticide pellets mixed into the batch, a deadly shortcut sometimes employed in storage. Food remnants are under chemical examination, with results expected soon.
A formal inquiry commission now dissects every step from procurement to plating. Were hygiene lapses ignored? Supplier credentials revoked? This breach not only endangers lives but erodes trust in support systems for frontline warriors. Recovery updates remain positive, yet the fallout promises stricter oversight across Bihar’s police establishments.