J'khand: One more family member dies after consuming ''adulterated'' oil, toll rises to 6

Ranchi/Medininagar, Jul 8 (PTI) Days after five members of a family died following alleged consumption of adulterated edible oil in Jharkhand's Palamu district, a woman of the same family lost her life while undergoing treatment at a hospital here, officials said on Wednesday. The woman, identified as Lakho Devi (52), the wife of Kuldeep Mahto who died earlier, breathed her last on Tuesday night at RIMS, they said. “The condition of Lakho Devi deteriorated since Monday. She was on ventilator support in the ICU at the Trauma Centre. She breathed her last late Tuesday night. All three members, including two women, who were admitted here in critical condition, have died,” RIMS Public Relations Officer Dr Shishir said. Three other members of the family had lost their lives at Medinirai Medical College and Hospital (MMCH) in Palamu during treatment. According to the officials, the consumption of adulterated edible oil caused a toxic disease called ‘epidemic dropsy’. The family hailed from Sikka village under the Padwa Police Station limits in Palamu district. Meanwhile, Palamu Deputy Commissioner Dilip Pratap Singh Shekhawat said, “The matter is quite serious. We are making every possible effort to save the other family members who are undergoing treatment." He said Palamu Civil Surgeon Dr Anil Kumar Srivastava has been instructed to provide free medical treatment. “The deaths occurred due to alleged consumption of adulterated mustard oil. This has been confirmed in the investigation report submitted by the civil surgeon. It is a very tragic incident," the DC said. Kuldeep’s eldest son, Anuj Kumar, and a grandson are fine, while his other son Sunil Kumar is undergoing treatment, the officials said. PTI RPS CORR RPS BDC