Health Scare in Ballia: 63 People Fall Ill After Eating Contaminated Roti

A serious health incident in Ballia, Uttar Pradesh, has left 63 individuals, including 11 children, ill after consuming rotis made from potentially contaminated finger millet flour. The incident occurred just before the Jitiya festival, prompting immediate medical attention for the affected individuals. Local authorities are investigating the source of the flour, which was purchased from a vendor. As families cope with the aftermath, health officials are ensuring that patients receive the necessary care. This alarming situation highlights the importance of food safety, especially during festive occasions.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 3, 2026, 12:44 IST

Health Crisis in Uttar Pradesh's Ballia District

Ballia: In a troubling incident, the number of individuals who became ill after consuming rotis made from potentially contaminated finger millet (ragi) has escalated to 63, including 11 children, as reported by local officials on Saturday.

This unfortunate event occurred in Chhata village, located within the jurisdiction of the Bansdih Road police station, on Friday, just before the Jitiya fast—a three-day Hindu festival where women fast to pray for their children's longevity. Initially, 47 individuals, including 10 children, were reported affected.

District Magistrate Gyanendra Singh informed the media that a significant number of women, children, and men from Chokan and Chhata (Aschaura) villages fell ill after consuming the rotis made from the finger millet flour, bringing the total affected to 63.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Abhay Narayan Rai stated that among the 63 patients, three were transferred to a private hospital at the district headquarters, another three to the Community Health Centre in Bansdih, while the rest were admitted to the district hospital.

The affected group consists of 11 minors, 15 men, and the remainder being women.

Following the alarming number of illnesses, the local administration and health department promptly admitted the patients to the district hospital and other medical facilities.

On Friday, the District Magistrate visited the district hospital and directed the medical staff to provide optimal care for the patients.

A specialized medical team has been assigned to attend to those in critical condition.

The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh also visited the impacted villages to gather information by speaking with the families of the affected individuals.

Family members revealed that the finger millet flour was sourced from a vendor named Sonu Verma.

The women reportedly fell ill after consuming rotis made from this flour, which was served as 'prasad'.

Madhuri, one of the hospitalized women, recounted her experience of falling ill after eating the flour.

Pankaj Kumar, a local resident of Chhata village, mentioned that those who consumed the rotis made from ragi flour experienced body tremors, with some women losing consciousness.

Jitiya, also referred to as Jivitputrika Vrat, is a Hindu festival during which mothers fast and perform rituals for the health, prosperity, and longevity of their children.

Traditionally, women consume ragi flour with satputia vegetable before commencing the fast.