Woman dies, 20 fall ill after consuming wild tubers in Sitalkuchi

Cooch Behar: A tragic incident unfolded in the Nagar Shobhaganj area of Sitalkuchi block, where approximately 20 people fell ill, and a woman lost her life after consuming wild tubers. The incident occurred on Sunday and has caused widespread concern in the area.

The affected individuals were initially taken to the Mathabhanga Sub-Divisional Hospital.

Among them, those in critical condition, including seven members of a single family, were later referred to the Cooch Behar MJN Medical College and Hospital for advanced treatment.

The deceased has been identified as Purnima Barman (62), who worked as a domestic help in the affected household.

Upen Barman, a member of the family who also fell ill, shared details about the incident.

He said, “The wild tubers were brought from Sheetalkuchi Aakra Haat Bazaar. After eating the curry prepared from the tubers, family members began vomiting one after another in the evening. We rushed everyone to Mathabhanga Hospital, but unfortunately, our maid Purnima Barman succumbed. The rest were referred to MJN Medical College Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment. Other villagers have also fallen ill, with around 20 people affected.”

Following the incident, a special investigation has been launched by the Health Department to determine the cause of the poisoning. Dr. Animesh Roy, a Doctor at Mathabhanga Sub-Divisional Hospital, stated, “Around 20 people were admitted in serious condition, and one elderly woman succumbed. The exact cause of the poisoning is still under investigation, and samples are being examined.”