Three more suspected dropsy cases reported

Panchmahals Collector A K Rakesh told Express Newsline over the telephone that two of the five samples of Krishna brand groundnut oil were found to be containing argemone mexicana.

The samples were taken from different parts of Panchmahals. “The status of three others is doubtful,” he said, adding that two-and-a-half year old Dineshkumar Chauhan, of Umedpura village of Limkheda taluka in Dahod, was referred to the SSG Hospital on Thursday. However, till going to the Press, he was not admitted to the SSG Hospital.

Rakesh said with the samples having been found adulterated, prosecution cases would be registered against the oil sellers.

Meanwhile, the remaining stock of Krishna brand groundnut oil has been seized and people have been instructed not to consume it.

Taviad and his daughter are reported to have consumed Krishna brand groundnut oil about seven days ago. They were referred from the Godhra civil hospital.

Dr Joshi said these were suspected cases of dropsy. According to her, Taviad complained about giddiness and Patelia had little swelling on his feet.

Meanwhile, the condition of Sangita Kodi Patel of Devgadhbaria, a suspected dropsy victim, was stable, Dr Joshi said.