58 women inmates suffer suspected food poisoning in Mumbai jail

Mumbai : At least 58 inmates of the women’s jail in Byculla were rushed to the hospital on Friday morning due to suspected food poisoning, officials said.

A majority of the women complained of severe abdominal pain, vomiting and dehydration and were rushed to the government-run Sir J.J. Hospital here.

Their condition was now “stable”, said Dr Wiqar Shaikh who is heading the team treating them.

The women’s jail houses nearly 210 inmates. The cause of the suspected food poisoning is being investigated.

“This morning, several women prisoners complained of vomiting and dehydration and were examined by health officials. Later, they were referred to the hospital where they are now under observation. There were no complaints from male prisoners or jail staff,” Inspector-General of Police (Prisons) Rajvardhan Sinha said.

Sinha said till mid-morning around 58 women inmates/undertrials were admitted to the hospital.

There was no information if the jail’s most high-profile undertrial — former media baron Indrani Mukerjea who is a co-accused in the Sheena Bora murder case — was among those affected.

A male prisoner had suffered from cholera three days ago and was treated, while all other prisoners were given prophylactics by health authorities, he said.

Meanwhile, security was beefed up at the hospital after the inmates/undertrials were admitted for medical treatment.

 Published on: July 20, 2018 at 15:24 IST

IANS