Vijaywada, June 29: A 17-year-old girl died and eight others were hospitalised in a suspected case of food poisoning at a madrasa under the Ajitsingh Nagar police station limits in Andhra Pradesh’s Vijaywada on Friday. The deceased, identified as Sk Karishma, was a native of Angaluru. Family members alleged that the food poisoning was caused by consuming stale mutton, reportedly in use since June 17.

According to the police, the students may have consumed the mutton on Thursday night. By Friday morning, victims began vomiting and complained of stomach-related ailments. While being taken to the hospital, Karishma succumbed to her condition. Tamil Nadu Food Poisoning: Two Dead, Several Sick After Wedding Feast in Cuddalore.

Although the police suspect food poisoning, the investigation is still in its early stages, making it difficult to confirm the cause of the incident. A case has been registered under Section 174 of the CrPC (unnatural death), and Karishma's body has been sent for autopsy. The other eight victims are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital. Maharashtra Food Poisoning: 200 Fall Ill After Consuming ‘Maha-Prasad’ at Religious Event in Buldhana; All Stable.

The girl's parents suspect foul play, alleging that Karishma had injuries on her body and that the madrasa staff delayed informing them about her death by approximately six hours. The madrasa hosts about 65 students.

In response, food safety officials have collected food samples served on Thursday night. They suspect that the meat, purchased around 10 days ago, had been improperly stored in a freezer, potentially leading to the poisoning.

The investigation is currently underway.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 29, 2024 08:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).