Though the State government had imposed a ban on the sale of cow dung powder, it is a fact that close to 200 persons have been admitted so far at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) for consuming the banned cow dung powder in an attempt to commit suicide.

What started as a mere alternative to the natural cow dung to apply on house floors, walls and verandas as an insect and mosquito repellent, the cow dung powder has turned into an easy tool for suicide.

Realising the misuse of this product, the government banned it. However, city dwellers who are not much into mixing the applying the natural cow dung, have created a demand for the chemical, which comes in both green (Malachite Green) and yellow (Auromine O) colours.

These powders are easily available in many areas at grocery shops as people use it every now for their use. Shop owners are also forced to sell the toxic dye powder as there is always a demand.

The problem would not have arisen if the sale of powder had been restricted to application in houses. It has become a cause of great worry because Police are finding many number of people using it as a suicide tool.

A CMCH official says: “Most of the patients are women and once the powder is consumed, it is hard to rescue the victim and the cases largely end in deaths.”

He further added that the yellow cow dung powder is much dangerous when compared with the green one as the chances of survival are much lower.

“Since these are easily available, women easily fall prey to these powders even over small family issues,” he said.

However, a higher official from the city police said that police personnel conducted frequent raids all over the city and arrested persons who were involved in the sale of such powders.

“We have seized many packets over the years,” he said.

He further added that there were chances that people sold it in individual households apart from grocery shops.