Three children in Chooralmala suffer food poisoning after consuming soybeans from relief kit

KALPATTA: Three children, including a seven-year-old hospitalized in Vaithiri, reportedly suffered from food poisoning after consuming soybeans from a government-issued food kit provided to victims of the Chooralmala landslide. The incident has raised questions about the quality of the relief supplies distributed by the government.

Kerala Agriculture Minister P. Prasad visited the hospital to meet the affected family. The child’s mother expressed concerns to the minister, mentioning rumors of political motives behind the incident. In response, Minister Prasad assured her of support and advised her to report any specific threats. He stated that instructions had been given to inspect the quality of food items provided, emphasizing the seriousness of the issue.

The incident follows protests led by disaster victims and the DYFI at the Meppadi panchayat office, where they alleged that food kits containing worms had been distributed. It is reported that these kits were handed out by the UDF-led panchayat ahead of the upcoming elections, leading to increased tensions in the district and widespread protests over the last two days.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has also commented on the matter, criticizing Meppadi Panchayat for allegedly distributing expired items to disaster victims, which he described as a severe violation of government instructions. He noted that guidelines had been established at the onset of the disaster, specifically prohibiting the distribution of outdated supplies. The Chief Minister announced that a detailed investigation by the Vigilance Department will be conducted to determine accountability in the issue at Meppadi.