Cook chokes to death at idli-eating contest in Alangudi

The eating competition held as part of Kaanum Pongal celebrations at Alangudi in Pudukkottai district witnessed one such bizarre tragedy where a 42-year-old cook was choked to death after he tried to eat several idlis one after the other in a hurried manner.

Pandikudi village had lined up a number of rural sports as part of Kaanum Pongal celebrations this year.

Members of Bharathiyar Youth Association announced a novel competition of idli-eating, this year. As per the rules of the competition, the contestant who eats the maximum number of idlis without taking water within a span of three minutes would be declared the winner.

S Chinnathambi (42), a resident of Pandikudi and a cook by profession, enthusiastically tried his luck with nine others. As time passed, the competition was getting tougher and Chinnathambi was gulping down the idlis. But the events took a sudden turn when Chinnathambi attacked the 12th idly. It blocked his windpipes and he fell down unconscious.

Immediately, the villagers called for an ambulance. But, Chinnathambi had breathed his last by the time the vehicle arrived.

Eyewitnesses said that Chinnathambi was over enthusiastic and was keen on winning the contest.

Initially, he was leading by eating more number of idlis than his rivals.

“We thought, he was relaxing after consuming the 12th idly. To everyone’s shock, he collapsed in a few seconds,” said K Srinivasan, one of the audience.

He is survived by wife Chithra (38) and three children, including two daughters. The organisers had conducted contests of eating of bitter gourd and green chilly during the previous years.