Indore, Aug 6 - At least 60 people, half of them women and children, fell ill after eating sweets at a function here, police said Thursday.

The incident occurred late Wednesday when a large number of people had gathered for a religious ritual following the death of a person.

Many of the victims started vomiting as soon as they ate the sweets (Khopra Pak). They were rushed to various hospitals across the city. Eyewitnesses claim that the number of victims could be higher as many were discharged after first aid.

'Only those who tasted the Khopra Pak fell ill,' said one of those present.

Imran, one of the organisers of the ritual, said the order for supplying 35 kg of Khopra Pak had been given to a cook in Indore's Bombay Bazaar.