‘Starvation death’ of migrant worker in Chennai was actually food poisoning, says top doctor

“The patients were suffering from acute gastroenteritis after consuming tainted fish curry, not starvation,” Dr Rajan told The Indian Express.

“They experienced vomiting and diarrhea, which are common symptoms of food poisoning. Our diagnosis points to foodborne toxins as the primary cause,” he said.

According to Dr Rajan, a group of 12 to 13 workers, including Khan, had traveled from West Bengal to Chennai seeking employment. They had been staying near Chennai Central Railway Station platform for two to three days when they consumed the contaminated food they had cooked.

“Among those admitted, one patient was in critical condition, and another was in bad shape. Four others were conscious but severely dehydrated. The critically ill patient was placed on a ventilator for seven days. After showing some improvement, we took him off the ventilator, but he developed complications again after two days, eventually leading to multi-organ failure,” Rajan said.

Before death, he suffered from severe kidney injury and pulmonary edema (fluid accumulation in the lungs), which contributed to his declining health. His brain was also affected, and he developed pneumonia. Ultimately, his condition worsened, leading to multi-organ failure and death.

Upon medical inquiry, Dr Rajan said, doctors came to know that they had cooked and consumed fish curry while staying near the railway platforms.

“After admission, we conducted all necessary tests, including for cholera, and ruled them all out. Based on our diagnosis of acute food poisoning, we sent stomach samples for chemical analysis, and we are currently awaiting the results. The cause of death was related to diarrhea, as he was infected by a Staphylococcus strain (specifically, the RA strain). This bacteria produces toxins that can enter the bloodstream and cause serious complications. Six hours after consuming the contaminated food, the vomiting began. These toxins can severely affect the body, particularly if the person is dehydrated and already weakened,” he added.

The workers were admitted to the hospital on September 16. The following day, Dr Rajan said, officials sent by the West Bengal government  provided financial aid of Rs 25,000 to each of them. One labourer remained in the hospital, whose condition is stable.

As the hospital’s treatment summary explains that their condition was serious because of dehydration and bacterial infection from contaminated food, Khan’s death has sparked considerable political controversy, with allegations of starvation circulating widely before being debunked by hospital authorities.

In West Bengal, the death of Khan has prompted sharp criticism from Governor C V Ananda Bose, who condemned the state government for its perceived failure to protect migrant workers. Bose, addressing the media on Wednesday, accused Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of neglecting the welfare of workers like Khan, who leave the state in search of better opportunities.