Srinagar, Apr 1: At least thirty-nine persons, mostly children, were hospitalized on developing stomach-related complications purportedly after consuming ‘Tahaer (turmeric yellow rice)’ in Zaigipora area of Charar-e-Sharif in central Kashmir’s Budgam district this evening.

Reports  said that panic gripped Zaigipora village in Chrowni block, after people, mainly children, complained of stomach ache. The persons believed to have consumed ‘Tahaer’ were subsequently removed to different hospitals, including three to SMHS Hospital Srinagar.

Confirming it, Chief Medical Officer Budgam, Tajamul Khan said that among them, fifteen children were removed to GB Panth Hospital, three to SMHS and the rest have been kept under observation at SDH Charar-e-Sharif. “They are reported to have consumed the (Tahaer)”, he said.

When asked about the condition of three persons referred to SMHS Hospital, he said that it was done as a sort of precautionary measure as they were not stable at that time.

“We have sent additional staff to the area to avoid any exigency”, he added. gns