Health concern at Bengaluru’s Prestige Falcon City amid cases of intestinal infection. Bengaluru-News News

The wave of the disease has sparked panic in Prestige Falcon City, one of Bengaluru’s largest residential apartment complexes, after dozens of residents, many of them children, reported symptoms of the intestinal infection. What started as a few sporadic cases has now turned into a full-blown health threat, and residents are pointing the finger at the contaminated water supply within the complex.

Located on Kanakapura Road near Konankunte, the apartment complex houses more than 10400 residents. Families say the sudden spread of the disease has disrupted daily life, forcing children to skip school and leaving elderly residents vulnerable.

Prestige Falcon City has a total of around 2480 flats, of which around 100 do not have permanent residents. These homes are typically owned by people who do not live on the premises full time. Some are used as guest houses for visiting relatives or friends, while others are only occasionally occupied by owners who frequently travel or live elsewhere.

Spike in disease sounds alarm

Parents first noticed symptoms like stomach ache, vomiting, diarrhea and weakness in children earlier this week. On December 3 alone, 27 new cases were reported, sending shock waves through the tightly-knit residential community.

Residents say the speed at which the disease is spreading is extremely worrying. Many households reported multiple family members falling ill in a short period of time, raising concerns that the source of infection was general and systemic rather than individual.

As panic grew, residents lodged a formal complaint alleging that contaminated water supplied within the apartment complex was the root cause of the epidemic.

Why just an apartment complex?

What has deepened the suspicion is the discovery by health officials that the intestinal infection appears to be confined only to the Prestige Falcon City. Tests conducted by Bengaluru South City Corporation health teams reportedly did not detect similar disease patterns in areas around Konankunte or on Kanakapura Road.

This has become the biggest threat to the residents. If neighboring areas drawing water from different sources remain unaffected, they ask, why is only one apartment complex reporting rising cases day after day?

This question has fueled speculation about the internal water storage, treatment and distribution systems inside the gated community.

Medical tests and increasing anxiety

As the number of cases increased, health officials collected stool samples from many affected residents to identify the exact nature of the infection. While families wait for detailed test results, concern continues to grow.

Parents say they feel helpless, unsure whether simple activities like drinking water, brushing teeth or bathing their children could make the situation worse.

Some residents have begun using bottled water entirely, while others have started boiling water several times a day. However, many argue that such measures are not a long-term solution for large housing complexes.

Accusations on apartment management

Anger is now not just over the infections, but over how residents feel the situation has been handled. Many families accused apartment management of downplaying the problem and failing to take decisive action even after learning of possible contamination.

There are allegations that residents were not informed immediately and water supply continued despite safety concerns. Some claim that officials are more interested in plugging administrative loopholes than ensuring the well-being of residents.

These allegations have deepened mistrust between residents and management, turning a health concern into a governance crisis within the complex.

NCR registered, police active

The gravity of the situation is reflected in a non-cognizable report filed at Konankunte police station on November 28. According to residents, NCR has highlighted contaminated water as a possible cause of the outbreak.

The report reportedly said that despite knowledge of the pollution, water supply to households continued. This also raises concerns that important information may have been withheld from residents.

For many families, filing a police complaint was a last resort born out of the fear that delay and silence could put thousands of people in danger.

Awaiting reply and accountability

As the investigation continues, residents are demanding transparency, immediate corrective action and clear communication from both health officials and apartment management. Parents want reassurance that their children are safe and a similar situation will not happen again.

For now, Prestige Falcon City remains under a shadow of uncertainty, with families hoping that quick action and honest disclosure will bring this outbreak under control before more lives are affected.

Here are clear, practical pointers residents can follow to stay alert and reduce risk:

• Drink only boiled and cooled water or packaged drinking water
  • Use safe water for cooking, brushing teeth and washing dishes
  • Wash hands with soap before eating and after using the toilet.
  • Avoid raw or uncovered food for some time
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water
  • Keep drinking tanks, bottles and storage containers clean
  • Pay attention to symptoms such as stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, fever or weakness
  • Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms appear, especially for children and elderly residents
  • If illness is suspected, notify apartment authorities and neighbors to help track cases.