15 Fall ill After Illicit Toddy in Manyam: Probe On, Patients Stable

Panic gripped Vanakabadi village in Gummalakshmipuram mandal of Manyam district after around 15 people fell ill reportedly due to consumption of illicitly brewed toddy , allegedly prepared using prohibited methods and sold unauthorisedly in the area.

According to local sources, the victims developed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness and severe headaches within a short time of consuming the toddy. The sudden outbreak triggered anxiety in the village, with some people reportedly collapsing due to weakness and dehydration, prompting residents to seek urgent medical help.

Health officials said four persons J Neelakantham (37), Puvvala Ramsingh (25), J Jogarao (38) and J Bhooshanrao (54) were in a serious condition initially and were immediately shifted on stretchers to the Kurupam Government Hospital . Doctors stated that Jogarao’s blood pressure rose to 160/100 , following which he was kept under special medical observation . Hospital authorities later informed that the patients were responding to treatment and their condition is currently stable .

Following information about the incident, a medical team from the Duddukallu Primary Health Centre (PHC) rushed to Vanakabadi and set up an emergency medical camp . Victims were treated on-site and monitored for dehydration-related complications. During screening, officials identified more villagers including J Gourishankar, J Ramesh, M Lingarao and P Ramamoorthi as having consumed the same toddy. Though they did not exhibit severe symptoms, health staff distributed ORS packets and essential medicines as a precautionary measure.

Who brewed the toddy? Investigation underway

Officials said the toddy was allegedly prepared and supplied illegally , but the identity of those behind the brewing and sale has not yet been officially confirmed. Excise and local police teams launched an inquiry to trace the source of the toddy, identify the suppliers and determine whether adulteration or unsafe fermentation caused the illness. Authorities indicated that strict action would follow based on the findings.

District Collector N. Prabhakar Reddy assured that the affected persons were receiving proper medical care and urged the public not to panic. Joint Collector C. Yashwanth Kumar Reddy personally reviewed the situation and instructed the health department to ensure continuous monitoring of the patients. He also directed excise officials to take stern action against illegal toddy preparation and sales , warning that unauthorised brewing poses serious health risks.

Authorities appealed to the public to avoid consuming toddy from unverified sources , stressing that such products can cause severe health complications due to contamination or adulteration. The district administration reiterated that stringent legal measures would be initiated against those responsible for illegal toddy trade in the region.