11YEAROLD IS 4TH VICTIM OF FOOD POISONING AT KHALAPUR

NAVI MUMBAI: Vijay Shinde, 11, who took ill on Monday after eating at a housewarming function in Mahad in Khalapur, died at Chirayu hospital in Khanda Colony on Thursday.

According to the police, Vijay’s condition was critical from Monday.

“After having food at the function in the evening, Vijay lost consciousness for a few hours. He was rushed to Chirayu hospital at Khanda Colony,” said Vishwajeet Kaingade, senior inspector of Khalapur police station.

This is the fourth death in the incident.

Three other children – Kalyani Shingote, 7, Rishikesh Shinde, 12 and Pragati Shinde, 13, died just a few hours after having the food on Monday.

They were declared brought dead at MGM hospital at Kamothe around 11.30pm.

“Vijay was under observation in the intensive care unit (ICU) in our hospital. But he was not gaining consciousness. Despite our best efforts, he succumbed,” said a medical officer from the hospital.

At least 88 people, who ate at the function, had to be hospitalised. According to Kaingade, 22 people are still being treated in different hospitals.

“A few of them are in the ICU, but all are out of danger. Ten to fifteen people may get discharged any moment,” he said.

The police have not been able to make any breakthrough in the case so far.

“We are interrogating a few people based on suspicion. Nobody has been detained or arrested so far. We are exploring all possible angles in the case. We have no evidence to say that someone purposely mixed chemicals or pesticide to the food,” Kaingade said.

The forensic lab is yet to send reports of the food samples. “The reports may take some more time. We may have some clarity after we get the reports. Our investigations are on,” another police officer said.