Balangir, March 28: At least 20 people in Balangir were hospitalised on Thursday after reportedly playing toxic colours during Holi.
The affected ones were admitted to the hospital due to critical skin infections on their heads and faces.
The incident came to fore at the Ashok Nagar and Anand Nagar residential areas in Kantabanji area after scores of people rushed to the skin and VD department Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital
Sources said some residents of Ashok Nagar and Anand Nagar localities under the jurisdiction of Kantabanji police station were enjoying the Holi festivity. Meanwhile, some one smeared a group of people with hazardous inorganic colours.
Subsequently, some complained of instant swelling on their face and head. Their condition gradually turned critical as their whole body itched and swelled due to the exposure of the toxic ingredients laced with the Holi colours.
All the critical persons were rushed to Kantabanji hospital on Tuesday night. They were later referred to the BBMCH as their skin infection was found aggravated quickly.