At least 110 people fell ill after eating food served at a ritual in Khumel, Rolpa, on Saturday.

According to police, the incident occurred during the 13th-day death ritual held at the home of Til Prasad Roka in Chaurpani, ward 3 of Rolpa Municipality, to mark the passing of his uncle Chitra Bahadur Roka. Out of around 150 attendees, 110 developed symptoms of food poisoning.

Most of the affected individuals began vomiting around 3pm. While 102 people received treatment at the local health post, 12 with serious conditions were sent to Rolpa Hospital in Reugha late into the night.

Police Inspector Bijay Chapagain, spokesperson for the District Police Office, Rolpa, said most patients received basic medication locally, while severely affected individuals were referred to the hospital.

Dr Rishabh Gautam at Rolpa Hospital confirmed that all patients were suffering from food poisoning. “There was likely a bacterial infection in the food prepared for a large number of people,” he said, adding that improper hygiene during preparation may have caused the contamination.

Of the 12 brought to the hospital, four have been discharged, while eight are still undergoing treatment. Most patients have reported vomiting and diarrhoea.