A suspected food poisoning incident during a family wedding gathering in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district has led to the death of a 15-year-old boy, while three other children remain under medical observation at the district hospital. Health officials suspect that contaminated watermelon kept for several hours before consumption may have caused the infection, though a detailed investigation is still underway.

The incident was reported from Ghurkot village under the City Kotwali police station limits. According to doctors, all four children developed symptoms of severe food poisoning after eating watermelon during the afternoon and chicken later in the evening.

Children Attended Wedding

According to family members, the children had arrived in Ghurkot village with relatives to attend a wedding at their maternal uncle’s house. They had reportedly been staying there for the last three to four days. The affected children were identified as Akhilesh Dheewar (15) from Podi Dalha village, Shri Dheewar (4) from Avarid, Pintu Dheewar (12) from Khatola and Hitesh Dheewar (13) from Kotgarh.

Officials said the family had cut watermelon on Sunday morning and kept it for several hours before it was consumed in the afternoon by the children. Later in the evening, the children also ate homemade chicken prepared during the wedding celebrations. After some time, all four children reportedly began complaining of discomfort, stomach pain and weakness.

Sudden Health Deterioration

Doctors said Akhilesh Dheewar’s condition worsened rapidly during the night. He reportedly suffered repeated vomiting, diarrhoea, severe abdominal pain and breathing difficulty before becoming unconscious. Initially, family members took him to a local unqualified practitioner in the village for treatment. However, his condition continued to deteriorate overnight.

On Monday morning, relatives arranged an ambulance and rushed him towards the district hospital in Janjgir. Officials confirmed that the teenager died before reaching the hospital. Meanwhile, the three other children developed comparatively milder symptoms and were immediately admitted to the emergency ward of the district hospital. Doctors said all three children are currently stable and under continuous observation.

Doctors Suspect Food Poisoning

Civil Surgeon Dr. Kujur said preliminary findings indicate that food poisoning caused by infected or improperly stored watermelon may have triggered the illness. According to medical experts, cut fruits exposed for a long time during extreme summer temperatures can quickly develop bacterial contamination, especially if they are not refrigerated or covered properly.

Doctors stated that such contamination can lead to vomiting, diarrhoea, dehydration and stomach infections, particularly among children whose immunity is comparatively weaker. Health officials also said they are examining whether the chicken consumed later in the evening may have worsened the condition.

Investigation Underway

The district administration and health department have started an investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the suspected poisoning. Officials are expected to collect food samples and verify whether contamination occurred due to improper storage, unhygienic preparation or spoiled ingredients. Authorities said statements from family members and villagers are also being recorded as part of the inquiry. Local officials indicated that awareness regarding safe food handling during summer gatherings and social functions is necessary to avoid such incidents in future.

Summer Heat Raises Risks

Medical professionals said food poisoning cases generally increase during summer because high temperatures accelerate bacterial growth in cooked food and cut fruits. Experts explained that watermelon and other water-rich fruits can become unsafe if kept in open conditions for several hours after cutting. Similarly, meat items like chicken require proper cooking and storage, especially during hot weather, to prevent bacterial infections. Doctors advised people attending weddings, community events and outdoor gatherings to avoid consuming food items that have remained exposed for a long time.

Warning Against Unqualified Treatment

The incident has also raised concerns regarding dependence on unqualified rural practitioners during medical emergencies. According to officials, the deceased teenager was initially taken to a local “jhola chhap” practitioner before being shifted to a hospital. Health experts stressed that symptoms such as continuous vomiting, unconsciousness, breathing difficulty and severe dehydration require immediate hospital treatment. They warned that delays in proper medical care during food poisoning can significantly increase health risks, especially among children.

Villagers Shocked

The sudden death of the teenager has created panic and grief among relatives and villagers in Ghurkot and nearby areas. Residents said the children appeared healthy before suddenly falling ill after the family meal. Many villagers gathered at the district hospital after news of the death spread on Monday morning.

Local people demanded awareness campaigns in rural areas regarding food safety, summer hygiene and emergency healthcare access.

Health Advisory Issued

Following the incident, doctors advised people to avoid consuming cut fruits left in open heat for long durations.Medical experts recommended storing fruits in cool conditions and consuming freshly prepared food during summer months.They also urged parents to ensure children remain hydrated and avoid stale or uncovered food during social gatherings and functions.

Officials stated that awareness regarding food hygiene becomes especially important during the ongoing summer season when temperatures remain extremely high across many districts of Chhattisgarh.

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