India, March 19 -- Around 40 people fell ill after reportedly consuming contaminated dalma during a religious event in Odisha's Kendrapara district on Wednesday.

The incident was reported from Ward No. 10 of Pattamundai Municipality, where food was prepared for around 400 people as part of a Bhagabat Saptaha programme.

Trouble began when a poisonous snake was reportedly found inside the dalma pot while the food was being served. The discovery caused immediate alarm among the attendees, many of whom had already consumed the food.

Soon after, several people complained of uneasiness and were rushed to the Pattamundai Sub-Divisional Hospital for treatment. Around 40 individuals were admitted and kept under medical observation.

The conditi...