Ahmedabad: The mystery surrounding the death of a four-year-old girl in Chandkheda in April this year has taken another turn, with her post-mortem report concluding that she died due to cardio-respiratory failure caused by septicaemia linked to Acinetobacter baumannii (bacterial) infection.

Four-year-old Mishri Prajapati and her three-month-old sister Raha died a day apart in April, triggering widespread speculation over possible food poisoning or foul play. Police said Mishri’s post-mortem also found lung oedema and identified the bacterial infection as the underlying cause of death.

According to police, Mishri’s death had initially been registered under accidental death procedures pending medical opinion. Officials added that the latest findings provide a clearer understanding of the case and that further inquiry will now continue based on medical records and post-mortem findings.

Police said septicaemia, commonly referred to as blood poisoning, is a severe bloodstream infection that can lead to organ failure if left untreated. Acinetobacter baumannii is often associated with serious respiratory and bloodstream infections.

Earlier, allegations by the family had linked the deaths to dosas made from batter purchased from a nearby shop. However, investigators ruled out the food poisoning theory after no other customers who bought batter from the same outlet reported similar symptoms.

The case had also drawn attention after the children’s parents, who reportedly fell ill around the same period, were hospitalised. Police have not yet disclosed the final forensic findings in the death of the younger child, Raha. DeshGujarat