Oleander Leaves : Banned
Death of a 24-year-old woman, Surya Surendran, who accidentally consumed oleander leaves, two major religious temple boards in Kerala have imposed a ban on the use of oleander flowers in temple offerings.
- The incident occurred when the victim, unknowingly chewed oleander locally known as Arali in Kerala leaves, leading to severe poisoning and her subsequent death.
- This prompt action by the Travancore Devaswom Board and the Malabar Devaswom Board aims to prevent future incidents by restricting the flower’s use in religious offerings and prasad.
- Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander, is a highly toxic plant despite its widespread cultivation for ornamental purposes.
