Srinagar, May 16: An elderly man died while seven others, including several children, were hospitalised after a suspected case of food poisoning linked to the consumption of a wild herb in the Kotranka subdivision of Rajouri district, officials said on Saturday.
The incident was reported from Mohra village, where members of two families allegedly consumed the wild herb on Friday afternoon. Soon after, eight persons developed symptoms of severe food poisoning and were rushed to the Community Health Centre (CHC) Kandi for initial treatment.
Due to the deteriorating condition of the patients, all of them were later referred to the Government Medical College (GMC) Associated Hospital Rajouri for specialised care.
Officials said a 60-year-old man, identified as Mohammad Hussain, succumbed during treatment, while the remaining seven patients continue to receive medical attention at the hospital.
Authorities suspect the poisoning may have been caused by the consumption of a toxic wild herb, though the exact cause is yet to be ascertained. Officials said the herb is suspected to be rhubarb, commonly known as “Braand” in Kashmir, or another toxic wild plant locally referred to as “Dolu” or “Mahavisha.” An investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the incident.
