30 unconscious after eating at Rajshahi hotel

At least 30 people, including cattle traders, became unconscious allegedly after having breakfast at a hotel in Rajshahi this morning.

The victims include cattle traders, truck drivers and their helpers who arrived at Rajshahi City Bypass Cattle Market ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. They hailed from different areas including Narsingdi, Sonargaon and Comilla.

However, no valuables were stolen from the victims’ possessions, Assistant Commissioner Iftekhair Alam of the Detective Branch told our Rajshahi correspondent.

Rajshahi Metropolitan detectives detained four people, including the hotel owner’s son Faisal Hossain, in this connection, he added.

All the victims were admitted to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH) after the incident took place around 7:30am.

Quoting witnesses, Sub-Inspector Abdul Malek of RMCH Police Box told The Daily Star that some of the victims became unconscious while having breakfast and others after taking their meals.

“The reason behind the incident could not be confirmed yet,” the SI added.

Meanwhile, the detainees are being questioned by the detectives, Assistant Commissioner Iftekhair informed, adding that hotel owner Zafar Ali went into hiding following the incident.