Sheopur: A 43-year-old man died and his 21-year-old son is in critical condition after consuming watermelon in Sheopur district on Friday morning. Food poisoning is suspected, according to media reports, though doctors have not confirmed a direct link.
The deceased, a driver from Susner in Shajapur district, was living with his son Vinod in a rented accommodation opposite a Reliance petrol pump in Sheopur.
According to the family, both father and son developed chest burning and stomach discomfort after dinner on Thursday night. Their condition reportedly worsened around 6 am on Friday, when both again complained of severe burning sensations.
In an attempt to get relief, the duo consumed watermelon. Their condition deteriorated shortly after eating it.
Both were rushed to the district hospital. The father was referred to Kota in a critical condition, but died on the way. The son remains admitted in a serious condition.
The deceased is survived by his wife, Sangeeta, and three sons. Another family member, Radhika, also lived with them in Sheopur. The family has gone to collect the body.
A doctor at the district hospital said two patients were brought in a serious condition in the morning. He said it cannot yet be confirmed that watermelon caused the deaths, adding that a possible stomach infection is being investigated. Medical examinations are underway.
The family said the watermelon was purchased on Thursday evening from Katola Tiraha and stored in a cooler.
