In a bizarre incident reflecting the sports scene in the country, four girls in their teens from the Water Sports Centre of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) at Punnamada in Kerala, took to suicide attempt consuming a poisonous fruit. One of them died and three others are in criticial condition. MK Ramesan, sub-inspector Alappuzha North, told TV channels that the trainees took the drastic step after getting reprimanded by their coaches who found them in an inebriated condition. Reports said they soon took the drastic step of consuming poisonous fruit and end their lives. “The 16-year-old students attempted suicide by consuming the fruit of an ‘othalanga’ ( Cerbera odollam)”, he told the media. When they fainted after consuming the fruit, they were rushed to the Alappuzha general hospital and later referred to Government TD Medical College Hospital at Vandanam. The local police said an FIR has been filed and they are conducting an inquiry into the incident.
