10 critical at Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences in Hyderabad after consuming spurious toddy

Hyderabad: A suspected case of toddy contamination has left at least 10 people in critical condition at the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (Nims), with 12 others under close observation.

Around 31 people were admitted to the hospital between Tuesday night and Wednesday, following severe symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, low blood pressure, and organ distress—after reportedly consuming toddy from local shops in Kukatpally.

Among the most serious cases is G Monappa (65), a daily wager, who is currently on ventilator support, and G Devdas, who is being administered medications to support cardiac function, hospital authorities confirmed.

Nims doctors confirmed that many patients are unresponsive to treatment, with some showing withdrawal-like symptoms and signs of moderate to severe dehydration. “Many were disoriented upon arrival. Those in the advanced critical care unit are unable to speak or respond. Others in the medical ICU are more stable and are on a restricted liquid diet,” said a senior doctor.

Speaking to TOI, families of the patients traced the health scare back to toddy consumed over the weekend, purchased from multiple shops but allegedly supplied by the same vendor.

“As usual, Monappa went to work on Monday, but after lunch, he began vomiting and had severe stomach pain. His BP dropped drastically, so we rushed him to the ICU,” said P Srikanth, his brother-in-law and resident of Shamshiguda. “We suspect all of them drank ‘kalthi kallu’ (spurious toddy) from three different compounds in Kukatpally,” he said.

Of the 31 patients, 13 were referred late Tuesday night from Ramdev and Mamtha hospitals, while two were brought directly from their homes. On Wednesday morning, three more were transferred from Gandhi Hospital, and another 13 walked in during the evening. Nearly all patients are from low-income households, adding to the financial strain of their medical emergencies.

K Indu, whose mother-in-law K Alivelu (64) and husband K Shiva (40) were also admitted to Nims, said both collapsed at home after stomach pain and unconsciousness. “They bought the toddy two days ago from the same shop. We never imagined it could be so dangerous,” she said.

In another case, Indira, wife of J Yobu (53), a lorry driver, feared long-term health damage. “He hasn’t been passing urine properly. We spent ₹50,000 at a private hospital, but there’s no improvement. If he can’t work, who will feed the children?” said the mother of three, a resident of Yellamma Banda.