Chhattisgarh: 3-year-old dies after drinking liquor

A tragic incident unfolded in Chhattisgarh’s Balrampur district on Tuesday when a three-year-old girl, Sarita, died after mistakenly drinking liquor, thinking it was water.

On Monday, Sarita was playing at home when she ran into her grandmother’s room and picked up a bottle of mahua liquor kept on the table. Believing it to be water, she took a deep swig directly from the bottle. Her throat burning from the raw alcohol, she went to her mother. Soon after, the toddler collapsed.

The ill effects of alcohol on children

Alcohol consumption can have severe and often fatal consequences, especially for young children. The ill effects of alcohol on a child’s body are profound:


Central Nervous System (CNS) Depression: Alcohol acts as a depressant on the CNS, leading to slowed breathing, decreased heart rate, and reduced brain function. In severe cases, it can result in unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

Hypoglycemia: Alcohol can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar levels, leading to hypoglycemia. This condition can cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, and loss of consciousness.

Respiratory Distress: High amounts of alcohol can depress the respiratory system, making it difficult for the child to breathe. This can lead to respiratory failure.

Gastrointestinal Irritation: Alcohol can irritate the stomach lining, causing nausea, vomiting, and severe abdominal pain.

Electrolyte Imbalance: Alcohol affects the body’s electrolyte balance, which is crucial for the normal function of cells and organs. An imbalance can lead to life-threatening conditions.

Cardiac Issues: Alcohol can cause irregular heartbeats and other cardiovascular problems, which can be particularly dangerous for young children.

Coma and Death: In severe cases, alcohol poisoning can lead to coma and death, as seen in the tragic case of Sarita.

Preventive Measures

This heartbreaking incident underscores the importance of keeping alcohol and other harmful substances out of reach of children. Here are some preventive measures to avoid such tragedies:

Proper Storage: Always store alcohol in a locked cabinet or an area that is inaccessible to children.

Clear Labelling: Ensure that bottles containing alcohol are clearly labelled and not stored in containers typically used for water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

Educating Children: Teach children about the dangers of alcohol and why they should never consume anything without adult supervision.

Inputs from TOI