A routine lunch break at a private resort in the historic town of Khajuraho transformed into a catastrophic event, leaving four employees dead and another seven fighting for their lives in a severe case of suspected food poisoning that has since triggered a major administrative investigation. The incident, which unfolded with shocking speed, has cast a harsh spotlight on food safety protocols and regulatory oversight within the hospitality industry. As authorities scramble to contain the fallout and determine the source of the deadly contamination, the community is left grappling with the sudden loss and the critical condition of the survivors. The gravity of the situation was amplified by the presence of the Chief Minister and the entire state cabinet in Khajuraho on the very day of the tragedy, adding a layer of political urgency to the unfolding crisis and prompting swift, high-level intervention from district officials who are now under immense pressure to provide answers and ensure such a disaster does not happen again.
A Swift and Tragic Unraveling
The tragedy began to unfold on Monday, December 8, when at least eleven resort staffers became violently ill within minutes of consuming their midday meal, which reportedly included a potato and cauliflower curry. The onset of symptoms was rapid and severe, with employees experiencing intense vomiting, dizziness, debilitating stomach pain, and anxiety. Three of the staffers, identified as Pragilal Kushwaha, 54, Ramswaroop Kushwaha, and Girija Rajak, succumbed to the illness shortly after the meal, their deaths marking the initial toll of the devastating incident. A fourth victim, 20-year-old electrician Hardik Soni, was initially treated at a local facility before his deteriorating condition necessitated a transfer to a larger hospital in Gwalior, where he tragically passed away. The seven other affected employees were also rushed to Jaya Arogya Hospital in Gwalior, where they remain in critical condition as medical teams work tirelessly to stabilize them, underscoring the lethal potency of the contamination.
Administrative Response and Investigation
In the wake of the fatalities, District Collector Parth Jaiswal launched a comprehensive investigation into the incident and mandated strict adherence to hygiene standards at the resort. A significant step in the administrative response was the issuance of a show-cause notice to Food Safety Officer Ved Prakash Choube, citing apparent carelessness and a severe lapse in regulatory duties. The Collector’s swift action reflected the heightened stakes of the situation. He also sanctioned immediate financial aid of Rs 20,000 for the family of the latest victim and submitted a formal request to the Chief Minister’s office for additional assistance for the families of all four deceased employees. A formal case was registered with local law enforcement, who have since sealed the resort’s kitchen. To pinpoint the exact cause of the food poisoning, officials collected a wide range of samples from the premises, including leftover food, water from various sources, and swabs from kitchen surfaces, all of which were sent for urgent laboratory analysis.
