12-year-old boy dies of suspected food poisoning

THREE OF BOY’S FAMILY TOO FALL ILL; FOOD DEPT TAKES SAMPLES FOR TESTING

GHAZIABAD: A 12-year-old boy died while three members of his family fell ill on Thursday at Ukhlarsi in Muradnagar. Food poisoning is suspected to be the reason, however, the autopsy report of the victim is inconclusive, said the police.

The police said that Rampal Singh, 40, his wife Anita Singh, 36, son Kunal, 12, and daughter, Shagun, aged seven years, went to sleep on Wednesday night but did not wake up. Early the next day Rampal, in a semiconscious state, shouted for help, after which his neighbours called the police, who found the family unconscious.

“After they were admitted to a hospital, the boy was declared dead while the three others were given treatment. They complained that they had ordered food from a local restaurant and after dinner, they developed complications. We also found that they had lit a fire inside the home to protect themselves from the cold, which could also be a reason for them becoming unconscious, as the room was closed,” said Iraj Raja, superintendent of police (rural).

The body of the deceased was sent for autopsy but the report remained inconclusive.

“The viscera got preserved and the doctors could not give any conclusive reason about the cause of death. We also called the restaurant owner for questioning. However, we did not find any other person, who had eaten at the restaurant, suffering from any such symptoms. The family was discharged after treatment,” he added.

Singh earlier worked as an employee at a local petrol pump but had been jobless for the past several months.

“I had bought spinach curry from the restaurant and it seems it resulted in food poisoning. Sometime after dinner, the children said they were having headaches and I told them to sleep and take rest.

Meanwhile, I started developing restlessness after one-anda-half hours, as well as palpitations, besides vomiting,” Singh said.

The police said that they have roped in food department officials and forensics for taking up samples of food from the victims’ home as well as the restaurant.

“The samples have been sent for testing and reports are awaited. The family has not given any complaint so far. However, we are investigating all probable angles into the incident,” the SP added.