A rat in sambar purchased from a hotel near Coimbatore Medical College Hospital triggered panic in the area, prompting the Health Department officials to conduct inquiry and checks in the hotels.

Thamaraiselvi of Ramanathapuram had purchased food for dinner yesterday for her mother, who was an in-patient in CMCH, police said. As she poured the sambar in the plate, to her shock, she noticed a small rat in it, which she initially thought was a piece of brinjal.

She immediately went to the hotel and drew attention by complaining in a loud voice. It was late night and hearing the noise, many attendants of patients in the hospital gathered in the hotel. Sensing trouble, the hotel employees downed the shutters and managed to escape. Nearby hotels too closed shop, police said.

A food inspector visited the place, heard the complaint and took the rat and sambar for testing, Health Department sources said. Following the incident, the Department has decided to carry out regular checks in hotels for ensuring quality and cleanliness, particularly those near hospitals and schools, they said.