Surat Restaurant Food Turns Fatal: 5-Year-Old Dies, 4 Family Members Hospitalised

Surat witnessed a tragic incident on August 15, 2026, when a five-year-old girl named Arya died following suspected food poisoning. Her parents and two siblings were hospitalized after consuming dinner from Sheetal Restaurant in the Varachha area. The Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC) responded by sealing the restaurant and issuing an improvement notice due to found lapses in cleanliness and hygiene.

Ashok Kalsariya, a man employed in a diamond unit, bought food, including the paneer dish that Arya consumed, from Sheetal along with other curries containing cashewnuts and buttermilk. He dined with his family that evening, and the following morning, all five family members fell ill, experiencing symptoms like vomiting. The family first consulted a general practitioner on August 16, who advised hospitalization, but they initially declined.

On August 17, Arya lost consciousness and was rushed to Sadvichar Hospital, where doctors declared her death. An autopsy is currently underway. Kalsariya was discharged on the same day, while her mother and two siblings remain in the hospital in stable condition.

Following the incident, Health Minister Praful Pansheriya held an urgent video conference with the District Health Officer and the Surat Municipal Corporation official to review the situation. He directed authorities to ensure the hospital provides optimal medical care to the surviving family members. The minister also ordered the immediate closure of Sheetal Restaurant and instructed local health officers to initiate legal action against those responsible.

In response to the minister's instructions, the SMC launched a city-wide inspection drive to check compliance with cleanliness, hygiene, and food safety standards across restaurants.