Four fall ill after Datura-leaf curry in Kakinada district
Four people from a single family were hospitalised after consuming curry prepared with Datura leaves in Yerrampalem village, Gandepalli mandal. Their condition was reported as out of danger by the district health official while they were under observation in Kakinada city.
Key takeaways
- Four family members in Yerrampalem village, Gandepalli mandal were hospitalised after eating Datura-leaf curry.
- The curry was prepared by the mother-in-law and reportedly based on online guidance.
- All four individuals were admitted to the Government General Hospital in Kakinada city; their Tuesday status was described as out of danger.
- The incident underscores concerns about safety when home-prepared remedies are guided by online information.
What Happened
In Yerrampalem village, which lies in Gandepalli mandal of Kakinada district, four individuals from the same family were admitted to the Government General Hospital in Kakinada city after eating a curry that contained Datura leaves. The illness came to light when they sought medical care on Tuesday after the prior day’s lunch, which included the Datura-leaf curry prepared at home.
The shopping and meal preparation involved the Hyderabad-based software engineer Bikkina Veerabbu, who attended his in-laws’ house for a local deity festival on Monday. His mother-in-law prepared the curry with Datura leaves, reportedly sourcing the leafs-based recipe online. The four affected people were identified as Veerabbu, his wife Ganga Bhavani, Veerabbu’s mother-in-law Veeralakshmi, and their relative Jayalakshmi. They were all hospitalised after consuming the dish, and their condition on Tuesday was described as out of danger by the district medical authority.
The information about the online-sourced curry and its alleged health benefits was provided by the in-laws’ household, as reported by medical authorities who treated the patients. The incident underscores concerns about the safety of herbal or home-prepared remedies sourced from internet guidance and used in everyday meals.
Why It Matters
The episode highlights risks associated with home-cooked foods that incorporate potentially toxic plant materials. Datura leaves are known to contain compounds that can cause unconsciousness and other adverse effects if ingested in even small amounts. Public health officials may view this case as a cautionary example of how online information can influence traditional cooking practices, potentially leading to medical emergencies.
Background
The four individuals were admitted to hospital after consuming curry that included Datura leaves. The family reportedly adopted the recipe after encountering guidance online, and the incident occurred in the context of a local festival gathering at the in-laws’ residence in Gandepalli mandal. The health officer overseeing the district’s medical response stated that the patients’ condition was not considered life-threatening by Tuesday.
Key Facts
- Location: Yerrampalem village, Gandepalli mandal, Kakinada district.
- People involved: four members of the same family (including three women) — Veerabbu, his wife Ganga Bhavani, mother-in-law Veeralakshmi, and relative Jayalakshmi.
- Cause: curry prepared with Datura leaves, reportedly based on information sourced online.
- Hospital: admitted to Government General Hospital in Kakinada city.
- Timing: incident came to light on Tuesday after the Monday meal; published account on May 5, 2026.
- Health status: described as out of danger on Tuesday by the district medical officer.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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