by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Mandya, Sept 29: Beware of a tiny toy resembling a pack of chewing gum that is used for playing pranks with people here in Mandya. Handling that item could cause serious health damage.

The toy looks exactly like a pack of Wrigley's Chewing Gum, which is non-edible and too hard to bite, and many children have been affected by handling the item. Just a touch gives the handler a shock which may be too much to handle for kids.

This battery-operated 'shock'ing chewing gum weakens the nerves in the hand and if a child mistakenly bites the item, it can cause paralysis of the mouth, doctors say.

If comes into contact with the chest, it may cause impairment of heart rhythm.

Doctors say the shock may even lead to cardiac arrest.

In fact, a similar item in the shape of a pen was earlier doing the rounds and it was not popular among the kids.

These shocking chewing gum toys are now being circulated among many pranksters for whom a game of taking friends for a ride may be just fun. But, the item is very hazardous to health.

Taking serious note of this 'shock'ing chewing gum, the Deputy Commissioner J. Ravishankar has directed the Town Municipality Commissioner, Tahsildar, District Health Officer and the Deputy Director of Food and Civil Supplies to probe into the matter and submit a report about the stocking and sale of the same and also the effect on the health of children, within next three days.

The DC said he will take action based on the report.

This follows a petition by Municipality member B. Rajanna, who demanded action on the manufacturers of these 'shock'ing chewing gums.