Three inmates of old-age home die due to suspected food poisoning in Tenkasi

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Three inmates of a private old-age home in Sundarapandiapuram near Tenkasi died on Thursday (June 12, 2025) due to suspected food poisoning. Eight others are undergoing treatment at the Tenkasi Government Hospital.

According to preliminary investigations, after consuming the non-vegetarian meal served to them on Wednesday at the registered home, Annai Nalvaazhvu Trust, housing 59 persons, 11 persons fell ill with vomiting and diarrhoea. The founder of the home, Rajendran, 48, of Shencottai immediately admitted all 11 inmates to Tenkasi Government Hospital on Wednesday night.

While Shankar Ganesh, 42, of Shencottai died on Wednesday night, Ambika, 45, of Shencottai, and S. Murugammal, 45, of Chokkampatti, passed away on Thursday. The bodies of the deceased were handed over to their relatives after post-mortem examination.

Relatives of Ambika, a woman with intellectual disabilities, said they had admitted her to the home after her mother passed away last year.

Doctors said the inmates might have consumed spoilt or improperly cooked meat.

During their investigation, the police found that the meat sponsored by an individual was cooked at the old-age home and served to the inmates on Wednesday. Samples of the food have been sent for analysis.

Further investigations are on, the police said.