Two toddlers die after suspected ‘dosa’ poisoning in Chandkheda, dairy refutes claim

A heart-rending incident in the Chandkheda area of Ahmedabad has left two infant girls dead and their parents battling for life, after the family allegedly consumed dosa made from batter purchased from a local dairy. The police have launched an investigation even as the dairy owner denied that the batter was contaminated.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred two days ago when the family procured dosa batter from a local outlet identified as Ghanshyam Dairy. The batter was reportedly used to prepare dosas at home. Soon after consuming the food, members of the family began experiencing severe health complications.

While the couple was rushed to a private hospital where they remain in a critical condition, their two daughters aged three months and four years succumbed, triggering outrage and grief in the locality. Neighbours described the scene as ‘devastating’, with the family plunged into mourning following the loss of the children.

Police officials from Chandkheda Police Station confirmed that a case has been taken up and further inquiry is under way. “We are examining all possible angles, including food contamination. Samples have been collected and sent for forensic analysis. The exact cause of death will be ascertained after medical and laboratory reports,” an officer said.

Meanwhile, the owner of Ghanshyam Dairy has denied allegations that the dosa batter led to food poisoning. The proprietor claimed that the same batch of batter had been sold to multiple customers and that no other complaints of illness had been reported. “Around 125 kg of batter is sold daily, and no such incident has occurred with any other family,” the owner stated.

CCTV footage from the dairy has also surfaced, purportedly showing a customer, identified as Vimalbhai, purchasing the batter. The footage is being reviewed as part of the investigation.

Raising doubts over the cause of the tragedy, the dairy owner alleged that the deaths may be ‘suspicious’ and not necessarily linked to food poisoning, urging authorities to conduct a thorough probe before drawing conclusions.

The incident has also drawn criticism of the local administration and food safety authorities, with allegations that officials from the food department and health machinery were preoccupied with election-related duties and failed to respond promptly to the emergency. It is further alleged that adequate attention was not given to the condition of the hospitalised couple.

Authorities have yet to issue an official statement on the cause of the deaths. Police said further action will be taken based on the findings of the forensic and medical reports.

The tragic deaths of the two young children have sparked widespread concern over food safety and regulatory oversight in the city, even as investigators continue to piece together the sequence of events.