In an incident reminiscent of the deaths of four family members in Mumbai after consuming rat poison-laced watermelon, a 15-year-old boy died and three other children from the same family were hospitalized after eating watermelon and chicken within hours of each other in Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-Champa district.
Incident Details
The tragedy occurred in Dhurkot village, about 8 km from the district headquarters. The children were spending their summer holidays at their maternal uncle's home. On Monday, they ate slices of watermelon in the afternoon and later had chicken for dinner. Late at night, they developed severe symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea.
Victims and Hospitalization
The deceased was identified as Akhilesh Dheewar, 15, who succumbed on the way to the hospital. The three others—Bhupendra Dheewar, Himesh Dheewar, and a four-year-old child—were admitted to the district hospital. Their condition was reported as stable.
Investigation Underway
Authorities have sent watermelon samples for lab testing, and the boy's viscera has been preserved for forensic analysis. Officials suspect contamination, improper storage, or chemical residues as possible causes, but clarity will emerge once lab reports are received.
Medical Response
Dr. Iqbal Hussain, a civil surgeon at the district hospital, stated that a preliminary examination indicated the watermelon was cut in the morning and consumed hours later, which may have led to infection and food poisoning. He confirmed that one child was brought dead early morning, while the other three are stable.
It was also alleged that the affected children were initially taken to a quack, delaying proper medical intervention.
