A five-year-old girl died and four members of her family were hospitalised after they allegedly fell ill following a meal ordered from a restaurant in Surat’s Varachha area on August 15.
The deceased has been identified as Arya, a resident of Ranujadham Society. Her parents and two elder sisters are undergoing treatment at Sadvichar Hospital, where their condition is reportedly critical.
According to the family, they had ordered two Punjabi dishes, including cashew and paneer preparations, from Sheetal Restaurant on the night of August 15. Family members began experiencing health problems a few hours after consuming the food.
Bhaveshbhai Kalsaria, a relative, said Ashokbhai Chakurbhai Kalsaria and his family had the meal that night. Around 4 am on August 16, Ashokbhai and one of his daughters developed severe stomach pain. They initially sought treatment at a local clinic, where they were given medicines and intravenous treatment, but their condition did not improve. By afternoon, other family members also fell ill.
As their condition worsened, they were shifted to Sadvichar Hospital. Arya died after being brought to the emergency department, according to the family.
Medical examinations of the four surviving family members reportedly pointed to food poisoning. They continue to receive treatment at the hospital.
Arya’s body has been sent for a panel postmortem to determine the exact cause of death.
The family has urged the police and senior authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and take strict action if any negligence or food safety violations by the restaurant are established.