In a tragic incident highlighting the dangers of unverified social media content, a 19-year-old college student died in Madurai after allegedly consuming borax as a weight-loss remedy she learned from a YouTube video.
The deceased has been identified as Kaliyarsai, a second-year college student residing in Meenambalpuram area of Madurai. According to police, she consumed “Vengaram” (borax) after watching an online video that claimed it could help reduce body weight.
Soon after ingesting the substance, Kaliyarsai reportedly experienced severe vomiting and diarrhea. She was initially taken to a private hospital in Munisalai, where she was treated and discharged. However, her condition worsened later in the evening, with complaints of intense abdominal pain and blood in her stool.
She was rushed to another nearby hospital and later taken to the Government Rajaji Hospital around 11 p.m. with the help of neighbors. Doctors declared her dead on arrival.
Police officials stated that Kaliyarsai, daughter of daily wage worker Vel Murugan (51) and Vijayalakshmi, was distressed about her weight and frequently searched for weight-loss solutions on her mobile phone. On January 16, she had reportedly purchased borax from a medical store near Thermutti area after watching a YouTube video titled “Vengaram for Weight Loss and Slim Body.” She consumed the substance the following day.
A post-mortem examination was conducted, and the body was handed over to the family. The Sellur police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.
The incident has once again raised serious concerns over the spread of dangerous misinformation on social media platforms and the lack of awareness about the harmful consequences of consuming toxic substances without medical supervision.
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