One Dead, Eleven Hospitalised After New Year’s Eve Party in Hyderabad; Police Probe Suspected Food Poisoning and Spurious Liquor

Hyderabad | January 2, 2026 New Year celebrations in Hyderabad turned tragic after a 53-year-old man died and at least eleven others were hospitalised following a party in the city. The incident took place on New Year’s Eve in the Jagadgiri Gutta area under the Quthbullapur police limits, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into possible food poisoning and the consumption of adulterated liquor. According to police officials, a group of 17 people had gathered on the night of December 31 at the Bhavani Nagar Association Committee Hall in Jagadgiri Gutta to celebrate the New Year. During the gathering, the group reportedly consumed alcohol and later had a meal that included chicken biryani, fish curry, and roti, which were prepared at the venue itself. Soon after eating the food, all members of the group began complaining of uneasiness. They reportedly experienced symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and loss of consciousness. As their condition worsened, they were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment. One of the victims, identified as Pandu, aged 53, succumbed while undergoing treatment. His death sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about the safety of food and alcohol consumed during private celebrations. Out of the remaining affected individuals, nine people who became unconscious were shifted to Narayana Malla Reddy Hospital for treatment. Two others are currently receiving medical care at Ram Dev Hospital. Hospital authorities said that the patients were admitted in critical condition but have since shown signs of improvement. After receiving information about the incident, local police teams rushed to the party venue and the hospitals. A case has been registered, and an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact cause of the illness and death. Police officials have seized leftover food items from the venue and sent them to a laboratory for detailed testing. Investigators are examining whether the illness was caused by food poisoning due to contaminated food or by the consumption of spurious or adulterated liquor. Officials said both possibilities are being taken seriously, given similar incidents reported in the past during festive occasions. Statements of the affected persons are being recorded as part of the investigation. Police are also questioning those who arranged the food and alcohol for the party to understand the source of the ingredients and beverages consumed that night. Senior police officers visited the hospital to assess the situation. Balanagar Assistant Commissioner of Police Naresh Reddy, along with Jeedimetla Circle Inspector Gaddam Mallesh, reviewed the condition of the patients and interacted with hospital staff and family members. Speaking to the media, ACP Naresh Reddy said the investigation is being conducted from multiple angles. “We are probing the incident considering both food poisoning and the consumption of adulterated liquor. The exact cause will be clear only after we receive the laboratory reports,” he said. The ACP added that the condition of the nine patients currently admitted at Narayana Malla Reddy Hospital is stable. Doctors are closely monitoring them, and no further complications have been reported so far. The incident has raised concerns about safety during private gatherings and celebrations, especially involving alcohol and food prepared without proper supervision. Police officials have urged citizens to be cautious while consuming food and liquor during festivities and to ensure that items are sourced from reliable and licensed vendors. As the investigation continues, authorities said strict action will be taken against those found responsible once the exact cause of the incident is confirmed. Further details are expected after the lab reports are received in the coming days. [02/01, 11:42] Jefry Jenifer: One Dead, Eleven Hospitalised After New Year’s Eve Party in Hyderabad; Police Probe Suspected Food Poisoning and Spurious Liquor New Year celebrations turned tragic in Hyderabad after a private party left one man dead and eleven others hospitalised. The incident occurred on the night of December 31 at the Bhavani Nagar Association Committee Hall in Jagadgiri Gutta, under the Quthbullapur police limits. According to the police, 17 people had gathered at the hall to celebrate New Year’s Eve. During the party, they consumed alcohol and later had dinner, which included chicken biryani, fish curry, and roti. The food was reportedly prepared at the venue itself. Soon after the meal, all those present began feeling unwell and complained of symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and weakness. One of the partygoers, Pandu, aged 53, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital. His death shocked the local community and raised serious concerns about what caused the sudden illness. Nine people who lost consciousness were shifted to Narayana Malla Reddy Hospital, while two others are currently being treated at Ram Dev Hospital. After being alerted, police reached the spot, registered a case, and began an investigation. Leftover food from the venue has been seized and sent to a laboratory for testing. Officials are examining whether the incident was caused by food poisoning or the consumption of spurious liquor. Statements of the affected individuals are also being recorded as part of the probe. Balanagar Assistant Commissioner of Police Naresh Reddy and Jeedimetla Circle Inspector Gaddam Mallesh visited the hospitals to review the situation. ACP Naresh Reddy said that the investigation is being carried out from both angles and the exact cause will be known only after the lab reports are received. He added that the condition of the nine patients currently under treatment is stable. The incident has cast a shadow over New Year celebrations and serves as a reminder to be cautious about food and alcohol during private gatherings. Police said strict action will be taken once responsibility is fixed.