Four children, mother poisoned to death, post-mortem confirms

Police launch probe focusing father, grandmother

DIJKOT:

The post-mortem report of five individuals, including four children, who died after consuming poisonous herb powder in Garh, has been revealed, confirming that all five were poisoned.

The police have initiated investigations, focusing on the father and grandmother of the deceased children.

The sequence of events began when Mazhar, a resident of Chak 53/5 Tukta Basti Jammu, purchased herb powder from the shop of Tanveer and Wahab son of Arshad four days ago to treat his children for colds.

Mazhar mixed the powder with fresh raw milk and administered it to his eight-year-old daughter Rukhsana Bibi, five-year-old Farzana, ten-year-old Muskan, and four-year-old niece Aqsa, daughter of Tanveer, as well as his wife Shamim Bibi, aged 30.

All five individuals, including four children, lost their lives after ingesting the contaminated milk.

Following the deaths, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz took notice of the incident, directing police authorities to investigate the matter promptly.

The bodies were subjected to post-mortem examinations, revealing poisoning as the cause of death.

The police registered a case against the two shopkeepers under murder charges.

It was disclosed in the post-mortem report that traces of poisoned milk were found in the stomachs of the deceased.

Additionally, it was noted that there was a delay of two hours in seeking medical assistance after the victims consumed the toxic substance, potentially contributing to the fatal outcome. Sources indicate that Mazhar and his mother appeared indifferent to the plight of the deceased following the incident.

The police have intensified their investigation, focusing on Mazhar and his mother as primary suspects in the case.

The community remains in shock and mourning over the tragic loss of lives, while law enforcement authorities work diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding this unfortunate incident.

Published in The Express Tribune May 10^th, 2024.