Published Sep 12, 2026 | 12:29 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 12, 2026 | 12:29 PM
Image used for representational purpose. (AI generated image)
Mystery surrounds the deaths of one-year-old twins in Adimali, Idukki, with police investigating whether they died after accidentally ingesting termite-killing pesticide kept at their rented house.
The deceased have been identified as Rihan and Ihan, sons of Afsal and Sandra of Ozhivathumvaliyakattil near Irumbupalam in Adimali panchayat.
The children reportedly fell ill at around 7.30 pm on Friday. One was taken to Adimali Taluk Hospital and the other to a private hospital in Adimali. One child died on the way to the hospital, while the other died after reaching the private hospital.
The father initially told police that the children might have ingested paint thinner. However, preliminary examination indicated the presence of a toxic substance in one of the bodies, prompting police to suspect pesticide poisoning.
During an inspection of the house, police found a bottle containing termite-killing pesticide that had leaked onto the floor. The parents told police that the bottle was already in the house when they moved in about two months ago. It had reportedly been kept at a height but leaked after the bottom of the bottle was damaged. Police also found what appeared to be the children’s handprints on the spilt substance.
The father later told police that the children could have consumed the pesticide after coming into contact with the leaked substance. Police said his account appeared plausible, but the exact circumstances of the deaths have not yet been established. There was reportedly no electricity supply at the house when the incident occurred.
The bodies have been kept at the respective hospitals. A post-mortem examination and detailed chemical analysis are expected to establish the exact cause of death and determine whether the substance found in the house was responsible. A forensic team will inspect the house as part of the investigation, and police are examining whether exposure to the pesticide, if confirmed, could have been fatal.
The parents have been questioned by police, and further action, an official said, will be based on the findings of the post-mortem examination and scientific tests.
Also Read:
US Malayali women killed: Anila Baby charged with two murders; could face 50 years in jail
‘I killed her, Kunjamma:’ Young mother slits toddler’s throat on 4th wedding anniversary
(With inputs from Dileep V Kumar.)
