Two dead, 17 hospitalised in Kukatpally after consuming adulterated toddy

Hyderabad:In a shocking incident raising serious concerns over public health safety, two people died and 17 others fell seriously ill after consuming adulterated toddy sold in Hyderabad’s Kukatpally area.

Many unsuspecting residents who drank toddy from local shops in Hydernagar on Sunday and Tuesday developed severe health complications.

Victims and symptoms

The deceased were identified as Sita Ram (47), a native of Wanaparthy district residing in Hydernagar, who died while undergoing treatment at Gandhi Hospital on Wednesday, and Swarupa (65), who died at a private hospital. Swarupa’s body was later shifted to Gandhi Hospital mortuary for autopsy after police intervened during her last rites preparation.

Those who fell ill complained of dizziness, low blood sugar, and diarrhoea. Among the 17 affected, four are women, and a 78-year-old man is in critical condition.

Patients shifted to hospitals

Fifteen people were shifted to Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS) and two to Gandhi Hospital for further treatment. Initially, many were taken to private hospitals before authorities intervened and shifted them to government facilities.

Excise Department Action

The Prohibition and Excise Department booked five cases against toddy shops in Hydernagar, Shamshiguda, and KPHB Colony. Officials sealed the shops, seized 674 litres of toddy, and sent samples for chemical analysis to ascertain the nature of adulteration. Police have arrested five people linked to the incident.

Minister visits affected persons

Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao visited NIMS Hospital on Wednesday to enquire about the condition of the victims. Speaking to the media, he assured stringent action against those responsible for the adulteration.

MLAs blame official negligence

Kukatpally MLA Madhavaram Krishna Rao and Serilingampally MLA Arekapudi Gandhi also visited the hospitals to meet the victims. They alleged that despite repeated complaints, Prohibition and Excise Department officials failed to check adulterated toddy sales.

The MLAs demanded strict action against those involved and urged the government to provide all possible support to the affected families.