2 Dead, Several Villagers Affected After Consuming ‘Pana’ In Odisha’s Ganjam

Berhampur: Two persons died of suspected food poisoning while several other villagers of Bakharakata under Dharakote block of Ganjam district have been affected by stomach ailments and are undergoing treatment in hospital.

According to reports, the villagers had consumed ‘Danda Pana’, a summer drink, during Danda Jatra which began on the auspicious day before Chaitra Sankranti. After that several people started complaining of diarrhoea and stomach ailments.

A team of doctors from MKCG Medical College and Hospital reached the village to assess the reason behind the outbreak, which is suspected to be a water-borne infection.

The affected villagers have been admitted to Dharakote Community Health Centre. As many as 11 people from Bakharakata village were hospitalised on Monday night while the rest were admitted yesterday.

Danda Jatra is one of the most important traditional folk festivals organized in different parts of South Odisha particularly in Ganjam district for 13, 18 or 21 days.