5-year-old dies after ‘paneer meal’ in Surat

A five-year-old girl, Arya Kalsariya, passed away in Surat after reportedly suffering from food poisoning, while her parents and two siblings were admitted to a private hospital following a meal purchased from Hotel Sheetal. Ashok Kalsariya, a resident of Ranujadham society in Varachha, bought food from the hotel, which included a paneer dish, curries with cashewnuts, and buttermilk.

The family had dinner at home before experiencing stomachaches and vomiting in the early hours of August 16. They sought medical attention at a local clinic, and later that day, the family was admitted to another hospital. The following day, Arya was declared dead, leaving her parents and siblings still undergoing treatment. Police and health officials suspect the cause to be food poisoning and have sent samples for further testing.

State Minister Praful Pansheriya has directed an investigation into the incident and promised to take legal action if poisoning is confirmed. The Surat Municipal Corporation has also initiated a probe into eateries for compromised hygiene.