Two children remain hospitalised after consuming suspected chemically ripened mangoes in the Kumram Bheem Asifabad district
Asifabad: A heartbreaking incident from Kumram Bheem Asifabad has raised serious concerns over the use of harmful chemicals in artificially ripened mangoes after a five-year-old boy died and two other children fell critically ill under suspicious circumstances in Loha village of Dahegam mandal.
According to local sources, traders are allegedly using artificial substances such as calcium carbide to ripen mangoes quickly during the summer season. Authorities suspect the children may have consumed mangoes treated with hazardous chemicals, though the exact cause of the illness is still under investigation.
The deceased child has been identified as Srivardhan (5), son of migrant labourers Sharada and Srinivas from Kuntamanupalli village in Bejjur mandal. The couple had reportedly travelled to Loha village along with their children for wage work.
Chemical-Ripened Mangoes Under Scanner After Child Death
On Saturday evening, around 4 pm, Srivardhan, his sister Keerthana, and another boy identified as Keerthi Kumar suddenly developed severe health complications. Villagers immediately shifted the children to the government hospital in Konchavelli, where doctors provided initial treatment before sending them back home after their condition temporarily improved.
However, late in the night, all three children reportedly became critically ill again. While family members were attempting to shift them to a hospital for emergency treatment, Srivardhan died at home.
Keerthana and Keerthi Kumar were later admitted to a government hospital in Mancherial, where they are currently undergoing treatment.
“The exact reason behind the illness is yet to be confirmed. Health officials are investigating whether chemically ripened fruits caused the incident,” locals said.
Calcium Carbide Mango Health Risks Raise Alarm in Telangana
Officials are examining whether the children consumed mangoes ripened using calcium carbide, a banned chemical often linked to severe health complications. Exposure to chemically ripened fruits can trigger vomiting, breathing problems, neurological disorders, and, in extreme cases, death.
Investigators are also exploring whether extreme summer heat or sunstroke contributed to the children’s deteriorating condition. Medical reports are awaited to determine the precise cause.
