Six of a family critical after consuming food cooked with acid in Bengal’s Ghatal

In a tragic incident in Ghatal in West Midnapore district, six members of a single family—including two children—are now in critical condition after a meal that was mistakenly prepared with acid instead of water. The victims were first taken to the local sub‑divisional hospital, but as their health deteriorated, they were transferred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for more intensive care.

When the police received word of the emergency, Panchanan Mandal, the health officer of Ghatal Panchayat Samiti, rushed to the scene. Local officers and administrative officials soon followed, trying to piece together how the accident happened.

Preliminary reports suggest that a relative of the family, who had been visiting Santu Sanyasi’s home in Ratneshwarbati village, accidentally poured the acid used by the copper‑and‑silver artisan into a pot of rice and curry, mistaking it for water. After eating, the family experienced severe abdominal pain and vomiting, prompting their immediate hospital admission.

A senior officer of the West Midnapore district police said, “Six members of a family fell seriously ill after consuming food. It is believed that acid was used instead of water to make the food. All of them, including two children, have been transferred to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for treatment. Their condition is critical. An investigation has started.” The police are also exploring the possibility that the poisoning was intentional.

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