Our Correspondent
Diphu, Oct. 13 (EMN): Another 18 people were reported to have been admitted to Diphu civil hospital in nearby Assam, reportedly after consuming unhygienic food – taking the total to 35 people since the case of food poisoning was first reported on October 10.
It is widely suspected that the source of this ‘suspected food poisoning’ is a popular bakery in Diphu, Assam. The first case was reported on October 10, when 17 people were hospitalised following reports of mass food-poisoning.
Most of the victims reportedly share similar symptoms like diarrhea, vomiting, and high fever. It was also informed that a woman identified as 42-year old Teyen Rengma has been referred to Referral Hospital, Dimapur.
Several social and student organisations have condemned the turn of event, and has demanded appropriate action be taken against the owner as well as workers of the bakery “for playing with the lives of thousands people living in the town.”The All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students and Youth for Justice (SYJ), All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) have issued a memorandum to the deputy commissioner of Karbi Anglong, Adil Khan demanding immediate judicial inquiry into the matter. They have also demanded that the bakery should be closed down till completion of investigation.
The organisations have also appealed the authorities concerned to appoint a food Inspector permanently in Karbi Anglong. According to the three organisations, the bakery involved in the incident should be made to pay the medical expenses of all the victims.
While demanding a judicial enquiry into the incident, the three organisations also demanded that of found guilty, the bakery must be ordered close ‘with immediate effect.’
In a separate statement, the Hills Progressive Youth Association (HPYA) has demanded immediate arrest of the person(s) responsible for the tragedy. It has also demanded that the bakery’s licence be cancelled and the victims be compensated by the bakery.
A case has been registered at Diphu police station following several FIRs lodged by student bodies and social organisations. However, till the filing of this report, the police were yet to make any arrest.
