What Happened to Six Family Members After Consuming Food Cooked with Acid in Ghatal?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Six family members critically ill after consuming food cooked with acid.
- Incident occurred in Ghatal, West Midnapore district.
- Investigation underway to determine if it was accidental or intentional.
- All victims are currently being treated at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.
- Importance of safety in household materials emphasized.
Kolkata, Nov 24 (NationPress) Six family members, including two children, are in critical condition after mistakenly consuming food cooked with acid in Ghatal, located in the West Midnapore district, police reported on Monday.
They are currently receiving treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata. The incident took place on Sunday in Ghatal.
According to police, Panchanan Mandal, the health officer of Ghatal Panchayat Samiti, swiftly arrived at the scene upon receiving the report.
Local law enforcement and administrative officials have also visited the area to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Initial investigations indicate that this unfortunate event occurred when a meal was prepared using acid, which was mistakenly believed to be water. However, police are also exploring the possibility that this was a deliberate act to poison the family.
"Six family members fell gravely ill after consuming food. It appears that acid was utilized instead of water in the cooking process. All six, including the children, have been moved to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata due to their critical condition. An inquiry has been initiated," stated a senior officer from the West Midnapore district police.
Local sources reveal that Santu Sanyasi, a resident of Ratneshwarbati village within Manoharpur I Gram Panchayat, keeps acid at home for his work with copper and silver. Consequently, acid was often stored within the household. On Sunday, a relative mistakenly poured the acid, mistaking it for water, and used it while cooking rice and curry.
Shortly after consuming the meal, the family experienced severe stomach pain and vomiting. They were quickly admitted to Ghatal Sub-divisional Hospital. As their condition worsened, all six were referred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata.