Free Hair Treatment Camp in India Leaves 71 with Eye Infections, Salon Sealed

Dozens Hospitalised After “Miracle” Hair Regrowth Camp

At least 71 people developed eye infections after attending a free hair treatment camp held on 16 March at the Mata Kali Devi Temple in Sangrur, Punjab. Marketed as a quick fix for baldness, the camp attracted attendees from Sangrur, Barnala, and Mansa districts.

The treatment involved applying a mysterious solution — reportedly henna-like — directly to participants’ scalps. Victims were instructed to wash it off after 10–15 minutes. But soon after doing so, many began to suffer intense eye irritation, swelling, and blurred vision.

Within hours, Sangrur’s civil hospital was overwhelmed with patients.

“Four new cases with severe eye irritation came in today alone,” said Dr. Sanjay Kamra, Sangrur’s civil surgeon. Private ophthalmologists also reported a surge in patients linked to the camp.

Accused on the Run, Salon Sealed

Authorities quickly launched an investigation into the incident.

Two individuals are responsible for organizing the camp: Tejinder Pal Singh, a local lawyer from Sangrur, and Amandeep Singh, a salon owner from Bilaspur village in Ludhiana. Authorities have arrested Tejinder Pal, while Amandeep Singh remains on the run.

Ofiicials sealing the salon, via Hindustan Times

Health officials have sealed Amandeep Singh’s salon in Khanna.

“We attempted to inspect the premises earlier but it was locked. We’ve now affixed a notice requesting him to cooperate with the investigation,” said Dr. Raman Khanna, the District Ayurvedic Officer.

Authorities have charged the pair under Section 124 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (voluntarily causing grievous hurt with dangerous substances) and the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954.

Unsafe Practices and No Medical Oversight

Witnesses claim that the organizers applied the solution using the same brush for all participants, raising serious hygiene and safety concerns.

One victim, Subbir Singh, said his eyes swelled so severely that he could no longer show his face in public. Some patients initially received first aid and returned home, only to be readmitted after symptoms worsened.

Senior Medical Officer Dr. Baljit Singh said the civil hospital’s ophthalmologists were working round-the-clock to treat incoming cases. The full report has been submitted to senior authorities, according to Sangrur’s Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Rishi.

Desperate Demand Fuels Risky Treatments

India has seen a surge in demand for hair loss solutions, with an estimated 50% of men experiencing some form of balding due to genetic and environmental factors.

This desperation has fuelled a growing underground market for unproven and often unsafe cosmetic treatments — many promoted on social media without regulatory approval.

Government Vows Crackdown

Officials say the case has exposed a dangerous gap in regulation and public awareness. “This is a serious public health violation,” said Deputy Commissioner Rishi according to TOI. Police have assured that efforts to arrest the remaining accused are ongoing.

As victims continue their recovery, the incident serves as a warning about the risks of unverified cosmetic remedies. Health officials have urged the public to seek treatment only from licensed professionals and avoid falling for online miracle cures.

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