KOZHIKODE: A youth is in a critical condition after consuming beef laced with rat poison. The incident happened in Vadakara. The youth critical is Nidheesh (44) of Kurinhaliyode. The Vadakara police have registered a case against Mahesh (45) of Vaikkilassery on the complaint of Nidheesh.

The two intimate friends had consumed liquor together on Monday night. Mahesh came with beef to eat. Nidheesh ate beef while drinking. Although Mahesh said that rat poison was laced in the beef, Nidheesh ate it thinking that it was a joke.

However, the next day, after experiencing discomfort including stomach pain, Nidheesh sought treatment at the hospital in Orkkatteri and then at the Kozhikode Medical College. The police have launched an investigation into the incident. It is not clear why rat poison was laced in the beef.