‘Tongue Slurred, Body Paralyzed’: Friend Recounts Vizhinjam Food Incident Leading to Deaths

Thiruvananthapuram: A friend, Kannan, has revealed shocking details surrounding the deaths of Shaji and his mother-in-law Rasheeda Beevi, both residents of Kollam, who passed away after consuming food from a hotel in Vizhinjam. Kannan, who was with them, told media that events took a turn for the worse shortly after they finished a meal that included cuttlefish thoran and fish eggs.

The family, hailing from Kollam, had eaten at the ‘Asmak’ hotel in Vizhinjam. Around 1 PM, while returning after their meal, Rasheeda Beevi experienced chest pain, her tongue slurred, and her body became paralyzed. Following this onset of weakness, tea was offered, but within moments, Shaji began vomiting severely. Rasheeda Beevi was immediately admitted to Parippally Medical College and Shaji to Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, but unfortunately, their lives could not be saved.

Shaji’s wife, Sajeena, is currently in critical condition at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College, exhibiting similar symptoms. The only solace is that the children who were with them currently show no health issues.

Following the incident, the Food Safety Department and the police arrived at the scene and conducted an inspection. The Asmak Hotel has been temporarily shut down, and food samples have been collected. Authorities have stated that the exact cause of death – whether it was a severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) to the food or food poisoning – will only be clear after the post-mortem report and lab test results are available.