Daijiworld Media Network - Raipur
Raipur, May 12: A suspected food poisoning incident claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy and left three other children hospitalised in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district, triggering panic in the village and prompting an investigation by the administration.
The incident was reported from Dhurkot village, where four children from the same family reportedly fell ill late Saturday night after consuming watermelon and chicken at their maternal uncle’s house.
According to officials, the children had arrived in Dhurkot from Dalha Podi village when they developed severe vomiting and diarrhoea shortly after the meal.
Family members immediately rushed them to hospital, but 15-year-old Akhilesh Dheewar died on the way. The three other children — identified as Pintu (12), Hitesh (13) and a four-year-old child — were admitted to the district hospital for treatment.
Doctors said the condition of the surviving children is currently stable.
District hospital doctor Dr Iqbal Hussain said the exact cause of illness would be confirmed only after laboratory examination.
“The child brought to the hospital had already died. The other patients are undergoing treatment and are stable,” he said.
Authorities have preserved the viscera of the deceased for forensic analysis, while samples of the suspected food items, including watermelon, have been sent for laboratory testing.
According to an official government statement issued on Monday, District Collector Janmejaya Mahobe directed health and administrative officials to immediately visit the village and monitor the situation.
Medical teams were deployed to conduct health screening of family members and nearby residents, while the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) and health officials were instructed to supervise the inquiry on the ground.
Civil Surgeon S Kujur said preliminary findings point towards food poisoning, but the exact source of contamination is still under investigation.
Meanwhile, health teams have started door-to-door inspections in Dhurkot village as part of precautionary measures.
Officials said strict action would be taken once the investigation determines responsibility for the incident.
The incident has created fear among villagers, with local residents demanding clarity on the cause and stronger food safety measures.