18-yr-old dies of suspected envenomation in Palakkad

Palakkad: A Plus Two student died under suspicious circumstances at Vadakkencherry, Palakkad, with doctors suspecting envenomation by a scorpion or snake as the cause of death. The deceased was identified as Naslim Muhammed, 18, a native of Chanthappura at Puthukkode near Vadakkenchery. He was a student of PKHSS Manjapra. According to relatives, Naslim had suffered a scorpion sting while playing with friends about a week ago. He was taken to hospital and administered primary treatment before being discharged. Family members said Naslim developed severe discomfort during sleep around midnight on Thursday and began bleeding from the nose and mouth. He was rushed to a private hospital at Erattakulam, but doctors could not save him. Doctors suspect complications arising from the scorpion sting may have led to the death. However, relatives said a snake had been spotted inside the house recently, raising suspicion that he may have been bitten during the night. Police said doctors who conducted the postmortem examination did not find any visible snake bite marks on the body. At the same time, bluish discolouration observed in the internal organs has also raised suspicion of possible snake venom poisoning. The internal organs have been sent for detailed forensic examination, and the exact cause of death can be confirmed only after the test results are received, police said.