The incident traces back to Friday, January 9, when an unidentified person allegedly left a bag containing sweets at a hotel near the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department office in Junnardev. When the packet remained unclaimed for several hours, people present at the hotel opened it and consumed the sweets, unaware of any potential danger.

According to preliminary information, three to four individuals ate the sweets. Soon after consumption, all of them reportedly complained of severe illness and were rushed to hospital in critical condition. A security guard employed with the PHE department was the first to die during treatment on Sunday. Sundar Lal’s death on Tuesday marked the second fatality in the case.

Following the second death, authorities ordered a post-mortem examination of Sundar Lal’s body to determine the exact cause. In the earlier case, the guard’s family had conducted the last rites without a post-mortem, limiting forensic clarity at that stage. Officials said further action would be taken based on the autopsy report.

Initial suspicion points to the possibility of a poisonous substance being mixed with the sweets, though this has not yet been confirmed. Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis, and investigators are working to establish whether the incident was accidental contamination or a deliberate act.

Municipal Council President Ramesh Salode visited the hospital after learning of the second death and met with the affected families. He said the administration was treating the matter with seriousness and assured all possible assistance to those undergoing treatment.

Block Medical Officer Dr. Suresh Nagvanshi said two patients who consumed the sweets are still hospitalised and under close medical observation. “The condition of the remaining patients is being continuously monitored. Necessary medical care is being provided,” he said.

Police officials confirmed that a joint probe is underway to trace the origin of the sweets and identify the person who left the packet at the hotel. CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined, and hotel staff and witnesses are being questioned as part of the investigation.

Authorities have urged the public to avoid consuming unattended food items and to immediately inform the police if any suspicious material is found in public places. The incident has raised concerns about public safety and food security in busy commercial areas, with officials indicating that preventive measures will be reviewed once the investigation is complete.