Watermelon deaths in Chhattisgarh: One teen dead and three hospitalised after eating suspected contaminated seasonal fruit

15-year-old Akhilesh Dhivar died while three other children fell ill after they allegedly consumed watermelon in Ghurkot village in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district, officials told PTI on Monday. The incident occurred while the children were visiting their uncle’s house with their relatives.

The deceased was identified as Akhilesh Dhivar (15), a resident of Podi Dalha village. Other affected children include Shri Dhivar (4) from Avarid village, Pintu Dhivar (12) from Khatola and Hitesh Dhivar (13) from Kotgarh.

Event and symptoms

Regional hospital civil surgeon Dr. According to S Kujur, the children reportedly consumed the cut watermelon kept at home on Sunday evening. A few hours later, Akhilesh developed symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and breathing difficulties. Later, three other children showed similar symptoms.

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Hospitalization and death

Dr. Kujur stated that as their condition worsened, their family members took them to the regional hospital by ambulance at different hours on Monday. Akhilesh was declared dead at the scene, while the other three children were taken to the emergency room.

Preliminary findings and research

Officials said the watermelon was cut in the morning and consumed a few hours later, increasing the possibility of contamination. Dr Kujur said the case, at first glance, appeared to be food poisoning caused by consumption of contaminated watermelon.
While the deceased’s body was sent for autopsy, internal organ samples were preserved for forensic examination. Another watermelon from home was sent to the food safety department for laboratory testing. The exact cause of death and illness will be confirmed after receiving forensic and food safety reports, officials said.

(With inputs from PTI)