Pesticide-Laced Water, Not Hooch: The Truth Behind Coimbatore's Recent Poisoning Case

In Coimbatore, two men were hospitalized on Friday after consuming liquor mixed with pesticide-contaminated water near Anaimalai. Preliminary tests confirm phosphamidon in their systems, with ongoing police investigations. Earlier Dinamalar had falsely reported they were hospitalised due to hooch.


Coimbatore: Two men faced critical health crises after drinking pesticide-tainted liquor at Manjanaickanur near Anaimalai on Friday. C Mahendran, 40, and S Ravichandran, 55, from Manjanaickanur, found themselves in dire health after their usual morning libation at a local tea shop led to unexpected illness due to contaminated mixing water.

Around 8 AM on Friday, at a local tea shop, these men consumed liquor which, unknown to them, was mixed with water that contained the deadly pesticide phosphamidon. By afternoon, they developed severe diarrhoea and were rushed to Pollachi government hospital. Considering the severity of their conditions, Ravichandran was later shifted to a private hospital near SITRA, and Mahendran was moved to another private facility at Avarampalayam.

Investigations reveal that the water used for mixing the liquor was stored in a vessel behind the tea shop, where it had been contaminated with phosphamidon. "Blood and water samples collected from the scene tested positive for phosphamidon," reported the police. The ongoing probe has also led to the formation of a special team dedicated to uncovering who is responsible for contaminating the water.

Earlier reports by Dinamalar incorrectly claimed the men's illness was due to hooch consumption. The police have discredited these claims, reaffirming that pesticide poisoning was the cause. The health condition of those affected has now stabilized, but five others who shared the drink have also been hospitalized as a preventive measure.

Union Budget 2026 lays roadmap for manufacturing, MSMEs and skills: CII Southern Region

CII Southern Region said Union Budget 2026–27 provides policy support for manufacturing, MSMEs, agriculture and skills,...

1054 Park Group students set world record in e-waste awareness drive

A total of 1054 students from Park Group of Institutions created a world record in Coimbatore by identifying and categor...

From kolams to Silambam: Harvest Fiesta lights up VIBGYOR High, Coimbatore

VIBGYOR High Coimbatore celebrated Harvest Fiesta 2026 with a vibrant Pongal event featuring traditional décor, cultural...

Kumaraguru’s Team ReNew secures historic podium at Shell Eco-Marathon 2026 Qatar

Team ReNew from Kumaraguru Institutions secured third place at the Shell Eco-Marathon Asia Pacific 2026 in Qatar, becomi...

Duty-free trade pact with EU a historic boost for Indian textiles: Texprocil

Texprocil Vice Chairman Ravi Sam said the duty-free trade agreement between India and the European Union is historic, re...

AJK College Hosts Workshop on Building Resilient Systems

The Department of Computer Science with Data Analytics at AJK College of Arts and Science conducted a workshop on "Build...