Spoilt prasadam claims lives of 2 women

According to police, the deceased identified as Loganayaki (62) and Savithri (60), both residents of Nadar Colony, failed to take treatment at a hospital despite developing serious illness. 

“Both had bouts of vomiting and dysentery but did not approach the doctors. They breathed their last around 11 am,” said police. 

More than 30 devotees developed various complications like stomach pain, headache and vomiting after eating sweet puffed rice, which was offered as ‘prasadam’ during a temple festival at Nadar Colony on April 3. Inquiries by the police revealed that the ‘prasadam’ was made with spoilt ghee. 

While 12 persons were discharged from Mettupalayam Government Hospital on Wednesday after getting treatment, 19 others, including some children, are still at the hospital. 

On Thursday, 11 more persons got admitted in the hospital with similar complaints of vomiting and diarrhea. A special team of doctors, led by Chief Medical Officer S Seralathan, are administering emergency treatment to the patients. 

Following the death of two women, revenue officials made a door to door visit in the neighbourhood to check on others who might have similarly refrained from seeking treatment. Health department staff are also camping in the area to attend to any emergencies.