Khajuraho resort food tragedy claims fourth life:9 employees still in hospital; health authorities investigate suspected food poisoning

The number of employees who died after eating allegedly contaminated food at Gautam Resort in Khajuraho, Chhatarpur district, has risen to four. Three employees had died on the spot earlier, while the fourth, Hardik Soni, passed away during treatment in Gwalior. Nine others are still undergoing treatment, with one in critical condition. Hardik Soni, a 20-year-old electrician from Rajnagar, died on Saturday, while receiving treatment in Gwalior. Another employee, Dayaram Kushwaha, remains on a ventilator. The health of the remaining six employees is improving. Post-mortem suggests poison A short post-mortem report of one deceased employee, Pragilal, indicates “suspected poison” as the cause. Laboratory results of the food samples taken from the resort are pending. Officials say the lab report, expected by Monday, will confirm the exact cause of death. Financial support for families Chhatarpur Collector Parth Jaiswal has provided Rs 20,000 from the Red Cross Society to each affected family. He has also instructed officials to request additional assistance from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund. Show-cause notice for food officer Food Safety Officer Ved Prakash Choubey has been issued a show-cause notice over alleged negligence despite VVIP movement. He is required to submit his reply by 4 PM on December 15. SIT investigates resort tragedy SP Agam Jain has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SDOP Manmohan Singh Baghel. The team will examine CCTV footage, hotel registers, staff attendance, and food samples. Police have assured strict action against the culprits once the investigation is complete.