Dhankuta, March 12

One person died and five others of a family fell ill after they consumed the dust of a medicinal herb with their meal at Belhara, Dhankuta Municipality last night.

The deceased has been identified as Madhab Pradhan, 62, of the municipality. Police said Madhab’s wife Nar Maya, 61, her daughters Sima, 37, Kabita, 31, Kabita’s husband Dipak and their son Kushal fell ill after they consumed the herb dust last night.

According to Dipak, Madhab had bought the dust to heal back ache from Bhedetar when he had gone to offer puja to Pathivara temple. Dipak said they started getting headaches, felt dizzy and began vomiting after consuming the dust. The neighbours took them to Dharan-based BP Koirala Institute of Health and Sciences the same night.

SP Surendra Bahadur Gurung of Dhankuta District Police Office said Madhab died in the course of treatment while others were receiving treatment.