Cuttack: In a tragic incident in Kendrapara district, a 13-year-old boy died and four other members of his family were taken seriously ill after allegedly consuming watermelon, officials and family members said on Saturday.
The deceased was identified as Swadhin Senapati of Kupuni village under Pattamundai block in Kendrapara district. He was the only son of Panchanan Senapati.
According to family members, all five members of the family consumed watermelon on Friday evening and later developed severe health complications during the night.
Family member Malaya Senapati alleged that the condition of the family members deteriorated rapidly soon after eating the fruit.
“They suddenly fell ill after eating the watermelon, and their health worsened within a short time,” he said.
The affected family members were initially admitted to a healthcare facility in Kendrapara. As their condition turned critical, they were later shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
Swadhin succumbed while undergoing treatment at the hospital, family sources said.
The incident has triggered concerns over possible food contamination or poisoning, though the exact reason behind the illness is yet to be established.
No official statement has yet been issued regarding the cause of the incident. Meanwhile, the death of the minor has cast a pall of gloom over the village.
