Rajouri,May 16:A tragic incident of suspected food poisoning was reported from the Kotranka area of Rajouri district on Friday, resulting in the death of an elderly man while seven others were admitted to hospital for treatment.
Officials said the incident took place in Mohra village, where members of two families reportedly consumed a wild vegetable during lunch. A few hours later, several family members began suffering from vomiting, stomach pain and other symptoms associated with food poisoning.
Following the sudden deterioration in their health, all the affected persons were taken to Community Health Centre (CHC) Kandi. Doctors later referred them to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for specialised treatment.
Medical authorities confirmed that 60-year-old Mohammad Hussain passed away while undergoing treatment at the hospital. The remaining seven patients, including children, continue to receive medical care.
Preliminary findings suggest that the illness may have been caused by consumption of a toxic wild plant or contaminated vegetable. Officials have started an inquiry to ascertain the exact cause behind the incident.
Authorities have advised people in rural areas to avoid consuming unidentified wild vegetation without proper knowledge, especially during the summer season when such cases occasionally surface.
