What Caused the Toddler Adulteration Tragedy in Hyderabad?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Tragic increase in death toll from adulterated toddy.
- Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
- Ongoing investigations by authorities into the source of the adulteration.
- Critical condition patients receiving intensive care.
- Public awareness of alcohol safety is essential.
Hyderabad, July 14 (NationPress) The tragic incident involving spurious toddy in Hyderabad has now resulted in a tragic death toll of nine, with a woman passing away at a hospital on Monday. P. Gangamani (42) lost her life at the government-operated Gandhi Hospital in Secunderabad.
A resident of Hydernagar, she was among 23 individuals who were hospitalized after consuming adulterated toddy last week.
This tainted beverage has claimed nine lives and affected approximately 60 others in the Kukatpally area. The victims, who ingested toddy from various shops on July 6 and 7, sought treatment at different private hospitals starting July 8, presenting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and low blood pressure.
Authorities from the police and the Prohibition and Excise Department promptly transferred them to Gandhi Hospital and Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS).
Currently, four out of the 16 patients receiving care at Gandhi Hospital are reported to be in critical condition. These individuals have been identified as 61-year-old Vadla Sugunamma, 47-year-old K. Nirmala, 55-year-old B. Latha, and 26-year-old Manjala Swapna. They are undergoing ventilator support, oxygen therapy, and inotropic medication.
Since July 12, the hospital has not registered any new admissions.
Of the 36 affected patients at NIMS, 23 are still being treated, while 13 have been discharged. Seven more are expected to leave the hospital later today.
Meanwhile, the Prohibition and Excise Department, along with the police, continue to investigate the adulteration of toddy. Officials are interrogating those apprehended in relation to the supply and distribution of the tainted beverage.
Authorities suspect that substances like Methanol, chloral hydrate, or Alprazolam may have been mixed with the toddy.
In another concerning incident, a couple was admitted to Gandhi Hospital due to unusual behavior after consuming toddy. This incident occurred in Ramreddy Nagar in Jeedimetla. The couple, from Nizamabad district, consumed toddy on Sunday, after which their relatives transported them to the hospital.
It remains unclear whether this situation relates to the broader issue of toddy adulteration, and police are currently investigating.