Around 200 people in northwest Delhi fell ill due to suspected food poisoning after consuming kuttu atta (buckwheat flour) during Navratri fasting, police said on Tuesday.

Affected residents came from areas including Jahangirpuri, Mahendra Park, Samaypur, Bhalswa Dairy, Lal Bagh, and Swaroop Nagar. Officials confirmed that most patients were stable, with no serious cases detected.

Police said calls began coming in around 6:10 am at the Jahangirpuri police station, reporting that people had fallen ill after eating food prepared with buckwheat flour.

Teams were immediately sent to BJRM Hospital, where the chief medical officer stated that 150 to 200 people had reported to the emergency ward since morning.

The suspected food poisoning caused panic in the locality, especially since many residents were fasting for Navratri.

Police said they were sensitising shopkeepers, vendors, and residents through beat staff and public address systems to prevent further panic.

The matter has been referred to the Food Department for further action, including quality checks of kuttu atta sold in local markets.

"We are coordinating with the Food Department and local health officials. People are being made aware at the community level to ensure public safety," the officer said.