Archive · 22 Jan 2026
College Student Dies After Consuming Borax for Weight Loss
A 19-year-old college student named Kalaiyarasi from Madurai, Tamil Nadu, died after taking a substance called borax.
She watched a YouTube video that said borax could help her lose weight.
She bought it from a local shop and took it as the video said.
But instead of helping, it made her very sick with vomiting and stomach pain.
She went to the hospital, but she died on the way.
The police are now looking into what happened.
A 19-year-old college student, Kalaiyarasi, died after consuming borax for weight loss.
She followed instructions from a YouTube video titled 'Venkaaram to melt fat and slim body'.
She bought the substance from a native medicine shop near Thermutti, Keezhamasi Street.
After consuming it, she experienced severe vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
She was rushed to Government Rajaji Hospital but was declared dead en route.
- Who
- Kalaiyarasi, a 19-year-old college student
- What
- Died after consuming borax for weight loss
- When
- January 17, 2024
- Where
- Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- Followed a YouTube video suggesting borax for weight loss
YouTube Video
Medical Community
Safety of Borax Consumption
YouTube Video
The YouTube video suggested that borax can be consumed for weight loss.
Medical Community
The medical community strongly advises against consuming borax, as it is highly toxic and can be fatal.
- Victim's Name
- Kalaiyarasi (19)
- Victim's Location
- Meenambalpuram, Madurai, Tamil Nadu
- Substance Consumed
- Borax (Venkaaram)
- Source of Information
- YouTube video titled 'Venkaaram to melt fat and slim body'
- Date of Consumption
- January 17, 2024
- Date of Death
- January 17, 2024 (same day)
- Hospital
- Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai
- Investigating Authority
- Sellur Police
Sources
College girl dies after consuming ‘borax’ as suggested by social media video to reduce weight
Student follows video to eat borax and lose weight, dies
Tamil Nadu college student dies after consuming borax bought on social media advice
Teen Dies After Using Borax to Lose Weight; Doctors Warn of Life-Threatening Risks
