Wayanad: A 38-year-old tribal man has allegedly died after consuming ‘arishtam’ reportedly mixed with intoxicating substances in Kerala’s Wayanad district, triggering protests among local residents and prompting police action, officials said on Saturday.
The deceased, identified as Prasad, was a native of the Kallumottankunnu tribal hamlet in Cheryamkolli under Padinjarethara panchayat. He passed away while undergoing treatment at Kozhikode Medical College Hospital.
According to his relatives, Prasad was initially admitted to Mananthavady Medical College Hospital on April 7 after vomiting blood. As his condition worsened, he was later shifted to Kozhikode for advanced treatment, where he eventually succumbed.
Hospital authorities reportedly indicated that complications arising from excessive alcohol consumption, combined with the intake of ‘arishtam’—a traditional Ayurvedic fermented tonic—may have led to his death.
The incident has sparked anger among locals, who allege that the product was being sold under the guise of Ayurvedic medicine but misused as an intoxicant, particularly within tribal communities. Residents claimed that people from nearby panchayats, including Vellamunda and Panamaram, frequently visited the outlet to purchase the product, even on officially designated dry days.
Following protests by residents and public representatives, police intervened and shut down the outlet identified as Sree Vinayaka Pharmaceuticals. The establishment was allegedly operating without proper authorisation or medical supervision.
A local CPI(M) leader further alleged that the outlet had been functioning without a qualified pharmacist or valid prescriptions, and that earlier complaints had resulted only in temporary closures without lasting action.
Police confirmed that the shop was closed based on complaints from residents. Officials added that statements from consumers have been recorded and hospital records collected as part of the investigation.
“A case will be registered soon. Samples of the ‘arishtam’ will be sent for laboratory testing to determine whether it contained intoxicating substances,” a police official said.
Local panchayat member Najmath stated that the issue had come to her notice only recently and assured that a detailed inquiry would be carried out.
Meanwhile, residents have demanded strict action against such illegal outlets, warning that they pose a serious threat to the health and lives of vulnerable communities.
With PTI inputs