Two Die In Suspected Food Poisoning After Dining At Vizhinjam Restaurant

Kollam/Thiruvananthapuram: Two members of a family from Nilamel in Kollam district died after falling seriously ill following a meal at a restaurant in Vizhinjam in Thiruvananthapuram district, police said on Tuesday. The deaths are suspected to be linked to food poisoning, though officials said the exact cause will be confirmed only after the post-mortem report.

The deceased have been identified as Rasheeda Beevi (58) and her son-in-law Shaji (48). According to relatives, a five-member family group had eaten fish dishes from a restaurant in Vizhinjam on Monday night. While returning home, some of them began experiencing vomiting and severe discomfort.

They were first admitted to a private hospital in Nilamel. As their condition worsened, they were shifted to the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital. Shaji was declared dead by the time he was brought to Medical College. Rasheeda Beevi also succumbed despite treatment. Hospital authorities said allergy-related complications are suspected, but clarity will come only after medical examination and post-mortem findings.

Two other family members are currently undergoing treatment, including Rasheeda Beevi’s daughter, who is admitted at Parippally Medical College Hospital.

Police said that hundreds of people had reportedly eaten at the same restaurant that night and no other complaints of illness have been received so far. “The family stated that the problem started after they ate from the restaurant. The exact cause of death can be confirmed only after the post-mortem,” a Vizhinjam police officer said.

Following a complaint from the family, the restaurant has been sealed. The Food Safety Department is expected to conduct an inspection. Chadayamangalam police have registered a case of unnatural death and further investigation is underway.