Shawarma turns villain again, 14 madrasa students hospitalised in Kasaragod

Kasaragod: Fourteen children were taken ill and hospitalised after allegedly consuming shawarma from a local eatery during Eid-e-Milad celebrations at a madrasa in Pallikere panchayat. Four remain admitted, while 10 are under 24-hour observation, said Rameshan P V, manager of Manzoor Hospital, where the children are being treated. "They were brought here last night with vomiting and abdominal pain. Their condition is stable now," he said.

Misbahul Uloom Madrasa at Thekkupuram, near Poochakkad, organised the celebrations on Monday night, said Muneer, husband of ward member Haseena V P. The madrasa had arranged food for the children, but when it fell short for about 15 students, the organisers bought shawarma from Bombay Hotel in the neighbourhood. The old restaurant is run by Mohammed Ashraf and Jafar Poochakkad.

Jafar said they had stopped making shawarma a long time ago after frequent complaints of food poisoning linked to the slow-roasted meat wrap. They resumed sales only last week, anticipating demand during the Eid-e-Milad celebrations, which began on Onam day, September 5. "So the allegation that the food was old is not correct. Officials have collected samples, and it is for them to determine what caused the food poisoning," he said.

Ashraf said he was busy arranging the discharge of the children from the hospital and would speak later.

Several children reported feeling nauseous even before finishing the shawarma. "I gave up after two bites because of the bad smell," said a 13-year-old girl admitted to Manzoor Hospital.

Soon after, people gathered in front of the restaurant and staged a protest. Bekal police reached the spot and brought the crowd under control, while Food Safety and Health officials also inspected the restaurant.

Bekal police said no FIR has been registered as they have not yet received a complaint.