In Madhya Pradesh's Chhindwara district, two individuals have died after consuming sweets from an unclaimed bag found near a government office in Junnardev. The incident occurred after an unidentified person left a bag containing sweets at a hotel near the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department office on January 9. When the bag remained unclaimed for several hours, individuals at the hotel opened it and consumed the sweets.

The first victim, a 50-year-old security guard employed by the PHE department named Dasaru Yaduvanshi, fell ill after tasting the sweets and was rushed to the Junnardeo health center. He was then referred to Chhindwara District Hospital and later shifted to a private hospital, where he died on January 11. The family conducted his last rites without a post-mortem examination.

The remaining sweets were taken home by the family of a tea stall owner located near where the bag was found. Four members of the family became ill and were admitted to the Junnardeo health center on January 11 with similar symptoms. One of them, 72-year-old Sundar Lal Kathuria, died on Tuesday while undergoing treatment.

Following the second death, authorities ordered a post-mortem examination of Kathuria's body to determine the exact cause of death. Initial suspicion points to a poisonous substance being mixed with the sweets, though this remains unconfirmed. Samples have been sent for laboratory analysis to determine if the sweets were contaminated or contained poison, and investigators are working to determine if the incident was accidental or deliberate.

A joint investigation by police and the health department is underway to trace the origin of the sweets and identify the person who left the bag. Police are examining CCTV footage from the area and questioning hotel staff and witnesses. Authorities have urged the public to avoid consuming unattended food items and to report any suspicious items to the police.

Municipal Council President Ramesh Salode visited the hospital and assured the affected families of the administration's support. Block Medical Officer Dr. Suresh Nagvanshi stated that the remaining patients are under close medical observation and are receiving necessary medical care.

This incident occurs months after 24 children in the same district died from poisoning after consuming a cough syrup.