12 fall sick after having dinner in Sylhet

Twelve members of two neigbouring families were hospitalised as they fell sick after having dinner at one of their houses in Baluchar area of Sylhet city early yesterday.

Among the 12, including five women and three children, Jamir Uddin, 70, and his sister Suraia Bibi, 60, are in critical condition at Sylhet MAG Osmani Medical College Hospital.

Half an hour after having dinner comprising rice, beef and fish curry, vegetables, and pulse soup at Jamir's house, the two families fell sick. Some of them started vomiting while some four fainted.

Jamir's nephew Mahmudul Hasan said miscreants might have spiked the food with poison in order to commit robbery as in the evening the women found the kitchen window wide open, under which the stove was placed, although they left it ajar.

According to hospital sources, it could be food poisoning but they will be sure after getting test results.