A simple box of pedas, left unattended outside a government office in a small Madhya Pradesh town, has triggered a tragic and baffling mystery. This incident has already claimed three lives, leaving local police scrambling for answers and a community in shock.
The Unfolding Tragedy in Junnardeo
The story began in Junnardeo town, located in Chhindwara district. On January 9, a packet of pedas was discovered near the gate of the Public Health Engineering (PHE) department office. The sweets seemed harmless at first glance, but they concealed a deadly secret.
First Victim: The Guard
Dasaru Yadavanshi, a 50-year-old guard at the PHE office, was the first to eat some of the pedas on that fateful day. After having his share, he hung the remaining packet at a nearby tea stall just outside the gate. Within hours, Yadavanshi fell seriously ill. He experienced a sudden and severe drop in blood pressure along with other complications.
Authorities rushed him to a private hospital for urgent care. Despite medical efforts, he could not survive and passed away on January 11.
The Family's Fateful Decision
Santoshi Kathuria, who is married to the tea stall owner, brought the leftover pedas home with her. On January 10, she, her 72-year-old father-in-law Sundarlal Kathuria, and her two young daughters all consumed the sweets.
Soon after eating, all four family members developed symptoms resembling severe diarrhoea. Their health deteriorated rapidly.
More Lives Lost
Sundarlal Kathuria was taken to the district hospital, where he died on January 13. The tragedy deepened when one of the daughters succumbed to the poisoning a day later at AIIMS-Nagpur, a premier medical institute.
This series of events has left the community reeling and authorities deeply concerned.
Police Investigation Underway
Rakesh Baghel, the in-charge of Junnardeo police station, confirmed to reporters that the pedas have been sent for detailed laboratory tests. Police are working to determine the exact nature of the poison and how it ended up in the sweets.
They are exploring all possible angles, including whether this was a deliberate act or a case of accidental contamination. The investigation aims to uncover the source and prevent any further incidents.
Community Impact and Questions
The incident has raised serious questions about food safety and public security in the area. Residents are now wary of accepting unattended food items, and local authorities are likely to issue advisories.
Families of the victims are grieving, and the police face the challenging task of solving this chilling mystery quickly to restore public confidence.
