Death of two kids over suspected food poisoning in Chandkheda: police exhume infant’s body

In a significant development in the suspected food poisoning case that claimed the lives of two young sisters in Ahmedabad's Chandkheda area, Chadkheda police on Tuesday exhumed the body of a two-and-a-half-month-old infant for a detailed post-mortem examination, officials said.

The body was exhumed from a cremation ground near Chandkheda under tight police security, with a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) present to assist in the procedure. The process began around 10 am and was carried out in accordance with legal protocols and with the consent of the family.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (L Division) D V Rana said the step was necessary to ascertain the exact cause of death. “Given the suspicious nature of the incident, it was important to conduct a scientific examination. The family has cooperated with the investigation,” Rana said.

Police Inspector Jayesh Makwana of Chandkheda Police Station confirmed that the exhumed body has been sent to Civil Hospital in Asarwa for a post-mortem. “After the examination, the remains will be handed over to the family,” he added.

The case pertains to a tragic incident reported on April 6, when two sisters, aged two-and-half months and four years, died after allegedly consuming dosas prepared from batter purchased from a local outlet. While the elder child’s post-mortem was conducted earlier, the infant had been buried as per customary practices, necessitating exhumation for further forensic analysis.

According to investigators, the family had purchased dosa batter from Ghanshyam Dairy in the area a few days before the incident. After consuming the meal, all family members reportedly suffered severe vomiting and other symptoms the following morning.

While the two children succumbed, their parents, identified as Vimal and Bhavna Prajapati, remain in a critical condition at a private hospital in the city.

Police said a detailed investigation has been initiated into the suspicious deaths, with food samples and other evidence already sent for laboratory testing. Officials are examining all possible angles, including contamination of food items.

The exhumation was conducted amid tight police bandobast at the crematorium, with authorities ensuring that the process remained orderly and transparent.