Tribal man’s death after consuming ‘arishtam’ sparks protests in Wayanad, police step in

Wayanad : A 38-year-old tribal man allegedly died after consuming ‘arishtam’ suspected to have been mixed with intoxicants in the district, triggering protests by local residents and prompting police intervention, officials said on Saturday.

‘Arishtam’ is a traditional Ayurvedic fermented tonic.

The deceased, 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 he began vomiting blood. He was later shifted to Kozhikode for advanced treatment.

Locals alleged that the product, sold under the pretext of Ayurvedic medicine, was being misused as an intoxicant, particularly among tribal communities.

They claimed that people from nearby panchayats, including Vellamunda and Panamaram, frequented the outlet to purchase it, even on dry days.

Following protests by residents and public representatives, police intervened and shut down the outlet, identified as Sree Vinayaka Pharmaceuticals, which was allegedly selling the product without proper authorisation or medical supervision.

A local CPI(M) leader alleged that the establishment had been operating without a pharmacist or valid prescriptions and that previous complaints had only led to temporary closures.

Police said the shop had been closed based on complaints from residents and that statements from consumers and hospital records had been collected.

"A case will be registered soon. Samples of the 'arishtam' will be sent for laboratory testing to ascertain whether it contained intoxicating substances," a police official said.

Local panchayat member Najmath said the matter had come to her attention only recently and assured that a detailed inquiry would be conducted.

Residents have demanded stringent action against such illegal outlets, alleging that they pose a serious threat to the lives and health of vulnerable communities. PTI