Child Dies, 18 Hospitalised After Eating Golgappa From Street Vendor in Jharkhand’s Giridih

A seven-year-old child died and 18 others were hospitalized after allegedly consuming golgappa and chaat sold by a roadside vendor in Leda Bajto village in Giridih district of Jharkhand, officials said.

The incident occurred under the Mufassil police station limits , where a travelling vendor reportedly arrived in the village on Saturday evening and sold the popular street snacks to several residents, many of them children. Soon after eating the food items, villagers began complaining of illness.

According to police officials, more than 20 villagers, including women and children, fell ill overnight after consuming the snacks. Several of them developed symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhoea and fever , prompting families to rush them to the Sadar Hospital in Giridih on Sunday morning.

Confirming the incident, Sadar Sub-Divisional Police Officer Jeetwahan Oraon said doctors detected suspected food poisoning among the patients . While medical teams began treating the affected persons, one child succumbed during treatment. The remaining 18 patients are undergoing treatment and their condition is reported to be stable , officials said.

Authorities said that although over 20 people initially reported illness , only 18 required hospitalisation , which remains the officially confirmed figure.

Villagers said the victims had consumed pani-puri, locally known as gupchup , prepared by the same vendor. Officials suspect that stale ingredients or contaminated flavoured water used in the golgappa may have caused the illness, though laboratory tests are yet to confirm the exact cause.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident and are searching for the cart vendor who allegedly sold the snacks . District officials have also visited the hospital to monitor the treatment of the affected patients.

The incident has raised concerns over food safety and hygiene practices among unregulated street vendors , especially during the ongoing summer heat that can accelerate food spoilage.