Police said Khushbu was referred from Chhindwara to Nagpur late Tuesday night after her condition deteriorated. Doctors treating her confirmed that she suffered multi-organ failure. Earlier on Tuesday, Sundar Lal Kathuria, 72, died while undergoing treatment, while a security guard posted with the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department had succumbed earlier. Another woman who consumed the sweets remains hospitalised and is stated to be stable.
The incident occurred in Junnardev town, where an unclaimed bag containing sweets was reportedly left at a hotel located near the PHE department. According to police, when no one came forward to collect the bag for a prolonged period, people present at the hotel consumed the sweets. Soon after, multiple individuals complained of dizziness and severe discomfort.
Police seized the remaining sweets on Sunday and sent samples for forensic and laboratory examination. Post-mortem reports of the deceased are also awaited.
Adding a new dimension to the case, Khushbu’s sister, Muskan Khare, has alleged that the incident may have been deliberate. She told police that Khushbu had ongoing disputes with her in-laws and had been living at her parental home for the past month. “The circumstances and timing raise serious doubts. This needs a thorough investigation,” she said, urging authorities to probe all possible motives.
Junnardev police station in-charge Rakesh Baghel said the case is being investigated from multiple angles due to its gravity. “We are scanning CCTV footage from the hotel and nearby areas to identify who left the bag. No possibility is being ruled out at this stage,” he said.
Health officials have refrained from speculating on the cause of illness until test results are available. Block Medical Officer Dr. Suresh Nagvanshi said the exact reason for the deaths will be confirmed only after the chemical analysis of the food samples and completion of post-mortem examinations.
Police said further legal action will be initiated based on the findings. Meanwhile, authorities have appealed to the public not to consume unattended food items and to immediately inform police if suspicious objects are found in public places.
