Two dead after eating sweets from unclaimed bag outside government office in Madhya Pradesh

Authorities routinely warn people to stay away from unclaimed bags, fearing they could contain explosives. While no explosives were found in this case, an abandoned bag led to a tragic outcome in Chhindwara district of Madhya Pradesh, where two people died after consuming sweets found inside it. Several others fell ill and are currently undergoing treatment. Police are investigating whether the sweets were contaminated or laced with toxic substances.

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Bag found outside government office, victims show poisoning symptoms

According to police sources, a security guard at the Public Health Engineering Department office noticed an unclaimed bag lying outside the premises a few days ago. The bag contained vegetables and several sweets. The guard, Dasru Yaduvanshi (50), consumed the sweets and soon developed symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea. His condition deteriorated, and he died on January 11, two days after falling ill.

The owner of a nearby tea shop and his family members also ate the sweets and reported similar symptoms. Sundarlal Kathurira (72) later died while undergoing treatment. His wife, two daughters, daughter-in-law and granddaughter remain hospitalised.

Police probe contamination angle, samples sent for testing

The incident has raised serious concern among local authorities, especially as it follows a previous tragedy in the same district. Just a few months ago, at least 24 children in the Chhindwara area reportedly died after consuming allegedly adulterated cough syrup.

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Junnardeo police station officer Rakesh Singh Baghel said that all possible angles are being examined. “We are investigating whether the sweets were contaminated or if poison was deliberately mixed into them,” he said. Police have collected samples of the sweets and sent them for laboratory testing. Officials confirmed that viscera samples of the deceased are also being examined to determine the exact cause of death.