Switching on cooler proved fatal for Gwalior family:Minor siblings die after room filled with toxic fumes; landlord booked for culpable homicide

A tragic incident in Gwalior claimed the lives of two children while their parents remain critically ill. The Sharma family inhaled poisonous gas released from sulfas tablets placed in wheat to prevent weevils. Four-year-old Vaibhav died on the spot, and 13-year-old Kshama passed away in hospital. Police have registered a case of culpable homicide against the landlord responsible. How the tragedy happened The incident occurred on Monday in Pritam Vihar Colony, Gwalior. Landlord Shrikrishna Yadav placed 50 sulfas tablets in 250 quintals of wheat stored on the porch of his three-storey house. These tablets released poisonous gas. The Sharma family, who rented two rooms in front of the porch, were unaware of the tablets. Fatal gas exposure The family returned home at night and went to sleep. Feeling hot, they turned on the cooler. The cooler’s exhaust fan pulled the poisonous gas into the rooms. Vaibhav alias Karua, the only son, died immediately. Kshama alias Vaishnavi was rushed to RIMS hospital but died early Tuesday morning. Sister unaware of brother’s death Until 1 AM, Kshama repeatedly asked about her brother Vaibhav, unaware that he had already died. Her condition worsened, and she was later shifted to Birla Hospital. She passed away at 4 AM. Parents critically ill Father Satendra Sharma (51) and mother Rajni (47) are undergoing treatment at New JAH hospital. Relatives say their condition remains serious. Police action Police registered a case of culpable homicide against Shrikrishna Yadav late Tuesday night. He was kept in custody at Gola Ka Mandir police station. CSP Robin Jain confirmed that further action will follow the post-mortem report and investigation. Protest by neighbours Relatives and neighbours staged a road blockade in Gola Ka Mandir, placing Kshama’s body on the road. They demanded legal action and financial assistance. Police assured them of action, and the protest ended. Family background The Sharma family lives on the ground floor of Yadav’s three-storey house. Satendra Sharma works in a factory in Maharajpura Industrial Area, Gwalior. Vaibhav was the only son after five daughters. Two daughters had died in childhood, and two elder daughters, Bharti and Deepa, are married. Kshama was the youngest daughter. Cause of accident The gas released from sulfas tablets used for wheat preservation caused the deaths. Satendra Sharma said that if the cooler had not been switched on, the tragedy might have been avoided. ​