Balasore, 15 May 

At least 20 pilgrims from City fell ill in Odisha’s Balasore district and were admitted to hospital, police said. The incident occurred on Wednesday night after the group had dinner during a halt in Soro. Around 50 people had begun a 24-day religious journey by bus on 26 April, travelling from Gaya to Puri. They reportedly prepared and ate rice, sambar, and curry themselves. Later that night, nearly 20 pilgrims experienced vomiting, nausea, and dysentery. They were taken to the government hospital in Soro, where doctors stated their condition was stable. Medical staff suspect the illness may have been triggered by heatwave conditions, which could have led to food spoilage or dehydration. The remaining pilgrims are under observation.