Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod

Kasaragod, Sept 9: Fourteen children were taken ill and hospitalised after allegedly consuming Shawarma from a local restaurant during Eid-e-Milad celebrations at a madrasa in Pallikere panchayat.

Four remain admitted, while ten others are under 24-hour observation, said Rameshan P V, manager of Manzoor Hospital, where the students are being treated. “They were brought here last night with vomiting and abdominal pain. Their condition is stable now,” Rameshan said.

The incident occurred during Monday night celebrations organised by Misbahul Uloom Madrasa at Thekkupuram, near Poochakkad, according to Muneer, husband of ward member Haseena V P. The madrasa had arranged food for the children, but when it fell short for around 15 students, organisers purchased shawarma from Bombay Hotel, a neighbourhood eatery.

The hotel is run by Mohammed Ashraf and Jafar Poochakkad. Speaking to reporters, Jafar said they had stopped preparing Shawarma long ago due to frequent complaints of food poisoning associated with the slow-roasted meat dish, but had resumed sales just last week in anticipation of Eid-e-Milad demand, which began on September 5, coinciding with Onam.

“So the allegation that the food was old is not correct. Officials have collected samples, and it is for them to determine what caused the food poisoning,” Jafar said. Ashraf declined to comment in detail, stating he was busy arranging for the children’s discharge from hospital.

Several students reportedly began feeling unwell even before finishing their food. “I gave up after two bites because of the bad smell,” said a 13-year-old girl admitted to Manzoor Hospital.

As news of the incident spread, local residents gathered outside the restaurant and staged a protest. Bekal police arrived at the scene and managed to disperse the crowd. Meanwhile, Food Safety and Health Department officials inspected the premises.

Police officials stated that no FIR has been registered, as they are yet to receive an official complaint.