Lizard in meal sparks panic among migrant workers in Junnar

Only a few labourers showed mild symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, said Dr Shivaji Phad, medical officer, PHC, Belhe

Panic hit migrant labourers in Junnar’s Mangrul village on Friday after a lizard was found in their meal. Nearly 28-30 workers rushed to the hospital, though only a few showed minor symptoms.

The workers, who had come from Washim district for onion harvesting, were having lunch, which they had cooked, when a dead lizard was noticed at the bottom of a vegetable container. By then, most of the labourers had already finished their meal. (HT PHOTO)

According to officials and local sources, the incident occurred at around 11 am. The workers, who had come from Washim district for onion harvesting, were having lunch, which they had cooked, when a dead lizard was noticed at the bottom of a vegetable container. By then, most of the labourers had already finished their meal.

Dr Ramchandra Hankare, district health officer, Pune, said, “A couple of workers complained of nausea and vomiting. However, amid panic triggered by the incident, all workers—including women and children—were taken to the primary health centre in Belhe as a precautionary measure.”

Medical staff examined the group and provided necessary treatment where required. “Only a few labourers showed mild symptoms such as nausea and vomiting,” said Dr Shivaji Phad, medical officer, PHC, Belhe.