KASARGOD: In a tragic incident, a one-and-a-half-year-old child died as it choked on milk while feeding. Ajay, son of Kalidasan and Asha, died on Saturday. Traces of a herb that was given as part of folk medicine to the child were also found in the lungs. It is learnt that the medicines were given to the child as he had a genetic defect.

The incident took place around 4.30 am on Saturday. While drinking the milk, the baby became restless and unconscious. Though he was rushed to Kasargod General Hospital, he could not be saved.

Some of the relatives informed the police as they became suspicious after seeing strange scars on the baby's abdomen and thighs. The cause of death was confirmed by post mortem. The postmortem report states that the scars on the body were caused by a skin infection called 'Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome.