PUDUKKOTTAI: Over 40 people, including women and children, fell ill after consuming suspected adulterated and illegally tapped palm at Melapullanviduthi near Vadakadu in Pudukkottai on Friday. At least eight people admitted to the Alangudi Government Hospital are aged between 20 and 70, officials said on Sunday.
Health department officials said affected people reported vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dizziness. “They are being treated for food poisoning, dehydration and related complications. Their vital parameters are currently stable,” an official said. Several others were treated at private hospitals and clinics in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur, the sources added.
Local toddy sellers had allegedly brought some workers last week from Rajapalayam to illegally tap and sell toddy from trees along the Vadakadu-Melapullanviduthi stretch, drawing huge crowds from nearby villages including Neduvasal, Anavayal and Mangadu.
