Imphal saw a medical emergency on Thursday after a large group of Border Security Force personnel and civilian drivers fell ill at a temporary camp in Manipur, prompting their shift to the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) Hospital. The case is being treated as suspected food poisoning, while the final cause awaits laboratory confirmation.
What happened in Imphal
At least 75 personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF) and three civilian drivers were admitted to RIMS Hospital after they developed vomiting and nausea following breakfast. They were brought to the hospital around 1 pm and were treated in the emergency department.
The affected BSF personnel belong to the Delta Company of the 58 Battalion. They had arrived in Imphal from Dimapur on Wednesday and were staying at a temporary shelter in the Taothong/Lamsang area of Imphal West district.
Medical condition and treatment
Hospital officials said all the patients received immediate care and that none of the cases was serious at the time of admission. Dr M. Rameshwar, Medical Superintendent of RIMS, confirmed that the patients were responding to treatment. Some reports also mentioned dehydration linked to repeated vomiting.
By Thursday evening, all the patients were reported to be out of danger. Authorities continued to monitor their condition through the day.
Food samples sent for testing
Officials from the State Food Safety Department, along with a team from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme, visited the temporary shelter after the incident. They collected food samples prepared at the site and sent them for laboratory testing.
An official said the exact cause of the suspected food poisoning can be confirmed only after test results are available. Until then, the incident remains under investigation.
Official visit and reported numbers
Manipur Home Minister Konthoujam Govindas, also referred to as Govindas Konthoujam, visited RIMS Hospital to check on the condition of the personnel and review their treatment.
Early reports on the number of people admitted varied slightly, with some local accounts putting the figure higher. However, major outlets, including those citing PTI, reported 75 BSF personnel and three civilians.
