Examiner News Desk | Rajouri:
A tragic case of suspected food poisoning has surfaced in the Kotranka subdivision of Rajouri district, where an elderly man lost his life and seven others, including several children, were hospitalised after allegedly consuming a wild vegetable.
The incident occurred in Mohra village of Kotranka, where members of two families reportedly consumed the vegetable during lunch on Friday afternoon. By evening, eight individuals developed symptoms associated with severe food poisoning, prompting panic in the area.
The affected persons were initially rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kandi for emergency treatment and were later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital Rajouri due to the seriousness of their condition.
Hospital officials confirmed that a 60-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Hussain, died during treatment, while the remaining seven patients are currently undergoing medical care at GMC Rajouri.
Authorities suspect that the poisoning may have been caused by the consumption of a toxic wild vegetable, though the exact cause will be confirmed only after medical and laboratory examination.
Officials said an investigation has been initiated to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident, while health authorities are also assessing the nature of the consumed food item to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Medical teams are closely monitoring the condition of the hospitalised patients, officials added.
