Mahad Deaths: Woman taunted about colour poisoned guests

Enraged over being repeatedly shamed for her dark complexion by in-laws, Jyoti Surwase, 30, allegedly tried to poison them at a house-warming function in Mahad.  However, her in-laws did not partake of the dal served to all the guests as they had finished eating, but 88 people fell ill due to it and five died.

Raigad police has revealed that the Mahad food poisoning incident — which also claimed two children – was an act of revenge by a woman scorned. On Monday night, Subhash Mane had invited people for a vastu shanti puja, at his new home, followed by dinner. Around 120 people dined at the function. Soon after dinner, most of the guests began complaining of stomachache and dizziness.

Surwase, whom the police has arrested, was a close relative of the host. “Surawase used an insecticide, usually used to kill snakes. 

“She mixed it in a bucket of dal,” says an officer from Raigad police. “Surwase then served the dal herself to all the guests. However, she could not serve it to her intended victims as they had already finished eating.” 

The police zeroed in on Surwase after they found her version of the events suspicious. “We questioned her more closely and she confessed to the crime,” the police officer added.

Surwase also said that her in-laws interfered excessively in her married life, which added to her frustration. The Mahad-resident has been booked under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code for murder, attempt to murder and causing grievous injury to others.