Punjab: Nearly 72 people fall ill after wedding feast; Barinder Goyal rushes to hospital to review treatment
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh/Moonak, May 27, 2026: What began as a joyous wedding celebration in Moonak turned into a night of panic and hospital rush after dozens of guests, including children, women and elderly persons, reportedly fell ill after consuming food at the function.
As worried family members crowded hospitals and patients complained of severe illness, Punjab Cabinet Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal rushed to the Civil Hospital in Moonak on Tuesday to personally review the treatment arrangements and meet the affected families.
According to officials, nearly 72 people were admitted to government and private hospitals after the suspected food contamination incident. While many patients were shifted to Sangrur and nearby towns for advanced treatment, authorities said all patients are now out of danger.
During his hospital visit, Goyal interacted with patients and anxious relatives, assuring them that the Punjab Government would ensure the best possible medical care. He directed the Civil Surgeon, SDM and other officials to maintain round-the-clock monitoring until every patient fully recovers.
The minister also reviewed emergency arrangements made at the hospital, where teams of doctors from Kohrian, Sangrur, Bhawanigarh and Lehragaga were deployed to handle the sudden influx of patients. A specialised medical team from Patiala was also sent to assist in treatment.
Three ambulances were kept on standby to tackle any emergency situation, while additional health department teams supervised treatment and patient care throughout the day.
Many relatives described scenes of chaos and fear after guests began falling sick shortly after the wedding meal, forcing families to rush loved ones to nearby hospitals late at night.
Speaking to the media, Goyal said the incident should serve as a warning against food adulteration and negligence in food safety standards. He urged the Centre to bring stricter laws against adulteration in milk and food products to prevent such incidents in future.
The minister asserted that the Punjab Government is treating the matter seriously and assured that appropriate action would be initiated after a detailed inquiry.