Kollam: The boy, who was alone at his house, consumed more than half a bottle of Bacardi white rum believing it to be a lemon-flavoured soft drink.

A 7 year old boy, Nijin, who consumed a fatal amount of alcohol on Sunday evening died at a hospital due to possible high blood alcohol content level and dehydration.

The boy, who was alone at his house in Manjakala near here, consumed more than half a bottle of Bacardi white rum believing it to be a lemon-flavoured soft drink.

His father Lajaji, a trader, had purchased the bottle the previous day from an IMFL outlet. On Sunday evening, Mr. Lajaji went to a relative’s house while his wife and elder son went to attend a funeral. Alone at home, Nijin opened the bottle and began consuming its contents.

When Mr. Lalaji returned home, he found Nijin in a critical condition, with the liquor bottle nearby, and immediately took him to a private hospital near Punalur. The boy initially responded to the medical attention provided, but developed hypothermia later and doctors declared him dead shortly after midnight.

The Kunnikode police stated that a case will registered.