Varanasi,

06 Jan (HS): Three youngsters aged three to six years perished after reportedly

eating a deadly fruit in a hamlet here, authorities said on Tuesday. According

to Deputy Commissioner of Police (Gomti Zone) Akash Patel, police got

information on Monday regarding the deaths of three youngsters in the Kardhana

region, and teams promptly arrived to the scene to begin an investigation. According

to preliminary findings, a group of children were playing together on Sunday

when three of them inadvertently devoured the toxic fruit of the 'kaner'

(oleander) plant. According to Patel, the three children's health quickly

worsened. Two of them died on Sunday, and their parents conducted the last

rites without telling the police.

The

third kid died on Monday while receiving treatment at the Banaras Hindu

University (BHU) hospital, prompting the hospital to send a letter to the

police, bringing the case to the attention of officials. The DCP stated that

the other youngsters who were playing with the victims did not ingest the fruit

and are fully well. However, as a precaution, a medical checkup has been

performed. There is no evidence or complaint of foul play from the family.

Patel believes the tragedy occurred as a result of the youngsters unwittingly

swallowing a hazardous fruit while playing.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi