Haldi feast turns hazardous in Thane: 80 fall ill after suspected food poisoning; wedding postponed

KALYAN: A pre-wedding celebration in Kalyan turned into a medical emergency late Saturday night after around 80 people, including the bride, suffered suspected food poisoning at a haldi ceremony, forcing the family to postpone the wedding scheduled for Sunday.

The ceremony was held at hall situated in a private housing complex in the Khadakpada area, where more than 125 relatives and guests were present. According to the family, dinner was served after 10 pm and was supplied by a local caterer appointed by the bride’s family.

Within a few hours of consuming the food, guests began complaining of severe vomiting, diarrhoea and dizziness. By around 1 am Sunday, nearly 80 to 85 people had fallen ill, triggering panic at the venue. Several guests were rushed to nearby hospitals in Kalyan, while some who had returned to their homes in Ambernath and Murbad also sought treatment at local hospitals. Doctors administered saline and emergency medication, and a few patients were treated at the venue itself.

The bride was among those severely affected. Family members said she was unable to walk or even stand due to extreme weakness and trauma, leaving the family with no option but to cancel and postpone the wedding ceremonies scheduled for Sunday.

Following the incident, the bride’s father, accompanied by relatives, approached the Khadakpada police station to lodge a formal complaint. He stated that several affected guests are still undergoing treatment and claimed that the family has suffered financial losses estimated between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 12 lakh due to the incident. The family has demanded strict action against the caterer responsible for supplying the food.

Talking to TOI, senior police inspector Amarnath Waghmode said, “Some of the affected persons are undergoing treatment at hospitals, while others are being treated at home. All of them are currently in stable condition. We have begun an investigation into the suspected food poisoning, and appropriate action will be taken based on the findings.”

Police officials said further action would be initiated after completing the inquiry and examining medical and other relevant reports.