Six Fight for Life After Woman Cooks Meal With Acid

Six members of a family in West Bengal are fighting for their lives after a Bengal woman mistakenly cooked food with acid instead of water. The incident, which took place on November 23 in Ratneshwarbati under Manoharpur I Gram Panchayat in Ghatal, led to severe poisoning and immediate medical emergencies. All six patients, including two young children, were shifted to Kolkata’s SSKM Hospital, where doctors have described their condition as critical.

How the Acid Exposure Happened

According to early investigations, the acid was routinely stored in the home because a family member works with copper and silver occupations that commonly require acidic solutions for metal cleaning. In this case, officials believe a relative accidentally used the acid, mistaking it for stored water, and added it to the vessels used for cooking rice and curry.
The Bengal woman mistakenly cooks food with acid. The incident unfolded rapidly, with all family members falling ill soon after consuming the contaminated meal.

Immediate Symptoms and Emergency Response

Shortly after eating, the victims developed severe gastrointestinal distress, prompting neighbours and local authorities to rush them to care. Panchanan Mandal, the health officer of Ghatal Panchayat Samiti, reached the home immediately after the alert was raised.
Due to the seriousness of the poisoning, the patients were transported to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for higher-level management, where they are currently under intensive monitoring.

What Investigators Know So Far

Police and administrative officials launched an inquiry the same day.
Initial findings point toward accidental ingestion, yet officers have not dismissed the possibility of intentional harm. Authorities are still exploring whether anyone might have attempted to adulterate the food with acid deliberately.
A senior West Midnapore police officer told IANS that although the working theory remains accidental substitution, investigators will continue examining all angles to ensure the family’s safety.

Why Acid Was Present in the Home

Local residents confirmed that homeowner Santu Sanyasi frequently stores acid for his metalwork profession. This made the chemical a familiar but dangerous item within the household. Investigators believe this routine presence increased the likelihood of confusion between containers.
The Bengal woman mistakenly cooks food with acid case has therefore raised renewed concerns about household storage practices for corrosive substances.

Medical Concerns After Acid Ingestion

Accidental acid ingestion can cause:

Severe burns to the mouth, throat, and gastrointestinal tract
Risk of perforation of the stomach or esophagus
Internal bleeding
Toxic shock
Life-threatening complications requiring intensive care

Given the critical condition of the two children and four adults, physicians are expected to continue emergency supportive care, endoscopic evaluation, and monitoring for possible long-term complications.

Conclusion

This tragic incident underscores the importance of clearly labeling and safely storing household chemicals, especially in homes where industrial substances are used for work. Preventing mix-ups can save lives and reduce the risk of severe chemical poisoning.
As the investigation continues, medical teams at SSKM Hospital are working to stabilise all six family members and prevent further complications.

Source: Inputs from various media Sources

Priya Bairagi

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I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.