A 4-year-old boy from Kottayam was hospitalized after allegedly consuming chocolate laced with a sedative drug at his private school in Vadavathoor.
By Aniket Chakraborty
Mar 3, 2025
The incident occurred on February 17, when the boy returned home drowsy after school, prompting his mother to contact the teacher.
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According to hospital records, the boy was admitted with symptoms of lethargy and increased sleepiness, requiring a stomach wash and ICU admission.
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Tests revealed the presence of benzodiazepine, a prescription sedative drug used to treat anxiety and insomnia, in the child's urine sample.
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The boy told his mother that the chocolate packet he consumed was already open and half-eaten when he received it.
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The school principal claims the boy told his teacher that his mother gave him the chocolate, which the mother firmly denies.
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Another UKG student reportedly licked the chocolate wrapper but showed no adverse effects or symptoms.
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After two days at Kottayam Medical College Hospital, the boy was transferred to a private hospital in Kochi where he stayed for over a week.
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Police were alerted by hospital authorities and are investigating the incident, though they haven't received a formal complaint from the mother.
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The boy's grandfather, who usually picks him up from school, denied buying anything for the child on that particular day despite police noting he typically buys food or drinks for the boy.