Teen dies after consuming watermelon in Chhattisgarh; investigation underway to determine cause

Doctors suspect food poisoning and bacterial contamination as the possible cause behind the illness.

A 15-year-old boy died and three other children fell ill in Chhattisgarh’s Janjgir-Champa district after allegedly consuming cut watermelon that had allegedly been kept open for several hours, officials said on Tuesday.

The watermelon had reportedly been cut in the morning and consumed several hours later. (Bachchan Kumar/ HT PHOTO)

The incident was reported from Ghurkot village, where the children allegedly ate watermelon that had been sliced in the morning, consuming it later in the evening.

Doctors suspect food poisoning and bacterial contamination as the possible cause behind the illness, though the exact reason will be confirmed after forensic examination.

According to locals, the children started vomiting and complained of severe discomfort shortly after consuming the fruit. Family members rushed them to a nearby healthcare facility, where Akhilesh died during treatment. Officials said the condition of the other three children was stable.

The deceased was identified as Akhilesh Dheewar (15), a resident of Podi Dalha village. The other children who fell ill were Dheewar (4) from Awarid village, Pintu Dheewar (12) from Khatola village and Hitesh Dheewar (13) from Kotgarh village.

Dr S Kujur, civil surgeon at the Janjgir-Champa district hospital, said the viscera of the deceased child had been sent for examination.

“The watermelon was sliced on Monday morning and the children ate it in the evening. Vomiting started after eating it. One child died while the remaining three are stable,” Kujur said.

He said the children had come from different villages to attend a family function at their maternal uncle’s house.

Kujur added that three other watermelons kept in the house had not been cut, and one of those was also sent for forensic examination as part of the investigation.