Kasargod: 14 Madrasa students hospitalised after suspected shawarma food poisoning

Mangalore Today News Network

Kasaragod, Sept 10, 2025: Fourteen children were hospitalised after allegedly suffering food poisoning from shawarma purchased at a local restaurant during Eid-e-Milad celebrations at a madrasa in Pallikere panchayat.

According to Rameshan P. V., manager of Manzoor Hospital, four children are still admitted while ten others remain under 24-hour observation. “They were brought in last night with vomiting and abdominal pain. Their condition is stable,” he confirmed.

The incident took place on Monday night during celebrations at Misbahul Uloom Madrasa, Thekkupuram, near Poochakkad. As the food prepared by the madrasa fell short, organisers bought shawarma from Bombay Hotel, a nearby eatery owned by Mohammed Ashraf and Jafar Poochakkad.

Speaking to reporters, Jafar said shawarma sales had only recently resumed after being discontinued due to past food poisoning complaints. “We restarted it last week for Eid-e-Milad demand. The allegation that the food was old is not true. Officials have collected samples to find the cause,” he said. Ashraf, meanwhile, refrained from detailed comments, saying he was arranging for the children’s discharge.

Some students reported discomfort even while eating. “I stopped after two bites because of the bad smell,” said a 13-year-old girl admitted to the hospital.

The incident sparked a protest outside the restaurant, which was dispersed by Bekal police. Officials from the Food Safety and Health Department later inspected the premises. Police said no FIR has been filed so far as no official complaint has been received.