A five-year-old boy, who was allegedly poisoned after being offered sweets and a cold drink at a neighbour's house, died during treatment at Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Post Graduate Institute of Paediatrics (SVPPGIP), commonly known as Sishu Bhawan, nearly three weeks after the incident.
The deceased was identified as Dibya Ranjan Mallick. He had been undergoing treatment since May 24 after being admitted to Sishu Bhawan in critical condition.
According to police, the incident occurred on May 22 when the boy was playing outside his house. Family members alleged that he was called to a neighbour's house and given sweets and cold drink laced with poison. The child soon fell unconscious and began vomiting. He was initially taken to Salipur community health centre and later shifted to Sishu Bhawan as his condition deteriorated.
Pravakar Mishra, superintendent of Sishu Bhawan, said the poison had reportedly affected multiple organs, including the kidneys and lungs. “He was admitted to the central ICU. His condition deteriorated, his heartbeat reportedly slowed significantly and he died during treatment,” Mishra said.
Police said the family alleged old enmity and a property dispute as possible motives. A complaint was lodged at Salipur police station on May 30, naming five persons.
Rural SP Vinit Agrawal said an autopsy was conducted and the report is awaited. “A case has been registered at Salipur police station,” he said, adding, “Whoever is found guilty will face strict action.”
