A 64-year-old man, Rajendra Rameshwar Prasad Lakhotia, resident of Ravi Ashish Apartment, died while his wife, Manjulaben, was hospitalized after consuming a juice made of bottle gourd (dudhi), carrots, and beets on Thursday. The couple had prepared the juice at their home in the Limbayat area.
According to police report, both individuals began experiencing health issues shortly after consuming the juice and subsequently lost consciousness. They were initially treated at a private hospital before being moved to the civil hospital for further care. Rajendra Lakhotia passed away during treatment, while Manjulaben remains in stable condition.
Manjulaben stated that they regularly consume this type of juice and that on Thursday, they noticed a bitter taste but consumed it regardless.
Doctors suspect food poisoning as the cause of death, although the precise reason will be determined after the post-mortem report is released. Authorities have collected samples for further analysis.
Bitter bottle gourd juice can be toxic and cause abdominal pain, vomiting, and other symptoms. This is because the juice contains cucurbitacins, which are toxic compounds that give the juice its bitter taste.