26-11-2025 (JAKARTA) Bali’s Badung District Police have officially ruled out poisoning and foul play in the September death of a 25-year-old Chinese tourist, Deqing Zhuoga, at the popular Clandestino Hostel in Canggu, despite previous speculation of a mass poisoning event. The official cause of death has been attributed to acute gastroenteritis and hypovolaemic shock (severe dehydration), following a massive outbreak of illness that hospitalized several foreign guests.
The findings from the Denpasar Forensic Laboratory revealed no traces of pesticides, narcotics, or toxic chemicals in the victim’s vomit, according to a spokesperson for the Badung Police, which contradicts claims by a surviving friend who alleged the illness was caused by a combination of food and pesticide poisoning. The sudden outbreak occurred after a communal dinner, sickening over six travelers from various countries who reported severe symptoms, including vomiting and fever.
The incident sparked international concern, particularly after reports surfaced that the hostel had recently been fumigated for a bedbug infestation. However, police maintain that internal autopsy findings were consistent with severe gastrointestinal disease and dehydration. The hostel has publicly affirmed its full cooperation with local authorities during the sensitive investigation.
