GORAKHPUR, Sept. 18 -- A team of doctors at AIIMS, Gorakhpur, has found that dropsy, likely caused by consumption of toxic oil made from 'Satyanashi' (Mexican poppy or Argemone mexicana) seeds, was behind the deaths of three members of a family in Ballia recently, hospital officials said on Friday.

AIIMS, Gorakhpur, executive director Maj Gen (retd) Dr Vibha Dutta said the medical team was able to identify the cause of the illness and provide timely treatment, which helped save two other family members.

All three deaths occurred within five days in the family of Shiv Chand Rajbhar, a resident of Pashu Hari village in the Belthara Road area of Ballia. His wife, Asha Devi, 45, died on August 29, while his mother, Jonia, 80, and daughter, ...