E. coli Bacteria Found in Jamshedpur’s Bindal Hotel Water; 150 Guests Taken Ill

Jamshedpur: Water tests conducted by the Microbiology Department of Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College revealed the presence of bacteria in water samples collected from Bindal Hotel, located on Sonari Marine Drive Road.

According to the test report, the presence of E. coli and Enterococcus faecalis bacteria was recorded in various samples. The report stated that the water sample collected before the RO (Reverse Osmosis) process showed E. coli bacteria after 48 hours of incubation. E. coli was also detected in the sample of water purified by the RO system.

This has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the hotel’s RO system and the quality of its drinking water. According to experts, the presence of E. coli bacteria in drinking water indicates faecal contamination, which poses severe health risks.

Furthermore, the investigation found Enterococcus faecalis bacteria in a sample of mineral water being provided outside the hotel premises. Doctors state that this bacterium is also commonly linked to faecal contamination and can cause gastrointestinal infections, diarrhoea, and other health issues. The Microbiology Department of MGM Medical College has forwarded the prepared report to the District Surveillance Officer (IDSP) of East Singhbhum.

Health Department Likely to Initiate Action

Following the release of the report, the health department and district administration are likely to investigate the matter further and take necessary action. Officials believe that the presence of such bacteria in drinking water is a matter of serious concern for public health. Consequently, regular monitoring of water quality and inspection of purification systems have become essential.

Meanwhile, the test reports for paneer, khoya, and other food items collected from the hotel are still awaited. The food samples were sent to a laboratory in Ranchi for analysis. Only after these reports arrive will it become clear whether the guests fell ill due to the food, the water, or another reason.

Around 150 Guests Fell Ill After Dining at the Hotel

Bindal Hotel had been booked for a wedding ceremony held from May 30 to June 1. Apart from the marriage party from Chennai, around 300 guests from various cities, including Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Kolkata, attended the event. Following the wedding and reception on June 1, the health of several guests suddenly began to deteriorate.

The individuals who fell sick included several members of the groom’s family. As the situation worsened, many were admitted to Brahmananda Hospital in Sonari and Tata Main Hospital (TMH). During this time, around 150 people complained of stomach pain, diarrhoea, and vomiting.

“We have received the test report for the water collected from the hotel. The test report for the food items is still awaited. Further action will be taken once that report arrives.” — Dr. Sahir Pal, Civil Surgeon, East Singhbhum.