A tragic incident during the Bonalu festival in Hyderabad’s Vanasthalipuram RTC Colony has caused widespread concern. Nine members of a single family fell severely ill after eating refrigerated non-vegetarian food, resulting in one death and three others in critical condition, according to medical reports.

Incident Details

Srinivas Yadav (46), an RTC conductor at the Falaknuma Depot, resides in Vanasthalipuram RTC Colony. His family includes his wife Rajitha (38), daughters Jasmitha (15) and Lahari (17), and mother Gowramma (65). For the Bonalu festival, Rajitha’s brother Santhosh Kumar (39), his wife Radhika (34), and their daughters Poorvika (12) and Krithagna (7) visited their home.

On Sunday, the family prepared and consumed chicken, mutton, and boti (organ meat). The leftover food was stored in the refrigerator. On Monday afternoon, the nine family members reheated and ate the stored non-vegetarian food. Shortly after, they began experiencing vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe illness.

Hospitalization and Tragedy

The affected family members were immediately rushed to a nearby private hospital. Doctors admitted all nine to the ICU and began treatment. However, Srinivas Yadav’s condition deteriorated, and he passed away on Tuesday morning while receiving treatment. The remaining eight family members are still under medical care, with Rajitha, Jasmitha, and Gowramma reported to be in critical condition, according to doctors.

Police Investigation

Vanasthalipuram police have registered a case and initiated an investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that bacterial growth in the refrigerated non-vegetarian food may have caused food poisoning. Police have collected food samples and sent them for laboratory testing.

Expert Warning

This incident underscores the importance of proper food storage and consumption practices. Experts note that storing cooked food in the refrigerator for extended periods can lead to bacterial growth, which may cause food poisoning. They recommend consuming cooked food within a day and allowing hot food to cool before refrigerating.

Community Concern

The incident has sparked concern in the Vanasthalipuram area. Authorities are urging residents to exercise caution in food storage and consumption, especially during festive seasons. This tragedy has left an irreparable loss for the family and serves as a stark reminder of the need for awareness about healthy food practices.