Two of family die of suspected food poisoning; hotel in Vizhinjam closed

KOLLAM: Two members of a family in Nilamel died due to suspected food poisoning. The dead are Rasheeda Beevi (58) and her son-in-law Shaji (42) of Nilamel. Six members of the family, including the two had food from Asmak Hotel near Muhyiddin Juma Masjid in Vizhinjam, Thiruvananthapuram at around 9:30 pm last night.

Reports say the family had fish items. Four of them were admitted to the hospital after developing uneasiness. Two died later. The body of one is kept at the Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and the other at Paripally Medical College. Shaji's wife Sajimol (39) is under treatment at the Paripally Hospital. Their two children were with them. They do not have any health issues.

Meantime, the police said that it will be possible to confirm whether the cause of death was food poisoning only after a scientific examination. Following the incident, the police downed the shutters of the hotel. An inspection will be conducted at the hotel soon under the leadership of the food safety department. This is a hotel that operates only in the afternoon. Locals alleged that very old fish is used here and that food safety officials do not even inspect the hotel.