Death toll rises to 4 in Tamil Nadu’s Tenkasi old-age home; suspected food contamination under probe

TENKASI: The death toll in a suspected food contamination incident at a private old-age home near Tenkasi rose to four on Thursday after a 70-year-old woman died during treatment. The deceased, Dhanalakshmi, had been undergoing treatment for severe digestive issues and succumbed at the Tenkasi Government Hospital in the morning. Earlier, three other residents — Shankar Ganesh (48), Murugammal (45), and Ambika (40) — had died after consuming a non-vegetarian meal at the Annai Nalvalvu Trust Shelter Home in Sundarapandiapuram on Sunday. More than 45 inmates were admitted to hospital with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea. Doctors stated that three more individuals remain in critical condition. Most patients are elderly and suffer from pre-existing health issues, which may have worsened their condition. On Thursday, Food Safety Department officials collected food and water samples for testing. However, confirmation of food poisoning is still awaited. The shelter, which housed 59 residents, has been sealed. Authorities are arranging alternative accommodation for the remaining inmates. Rajendran, a person associated with the shelter, has been detained for questioning, and police investigations are ongoing.