Businessman Poisoned With Rare Toxic Metal

A Varanasi businessman, Sandeep Singh, is undergoing treatment after being allegedly poisoned with thallium, a rare and highly toxic substance. An attempt to murder case was registered against unknown individuals on Wednesday night in Varanasi following a complaint by Singh's wife, Khushboo Singh. The 41-year-old former Samajwadi Party Chhatra Sabha national general secretary, who runs transport firms, first fell ill in late February 2025 while in Gurugram.

His condition worsened, initially mimicking neurological disorders, leading to hospitalizations in Gurugram and later Mumbai. Toxicology tests at a Mumbai hospital confirmed the presence of thallium in his bloodstream, a substance known for its difficulty in detection and its nickname, 'the poisoner's poison'.

Medical experts note that thallium poisoning symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, peripheral neuropathy, and hair loss, often following a recognizable timeline. The toxin damages the nervous system by mimicking potassium within cells. Police are investigating all possible avenues, including food consumed outside the home or during travel.