Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 4: Despite the elapsing of two months, the investigations into the deaths in Badhaal area of Rajouri have failed to uncover the truth with the locals continuing to seek answers from the government.
Since December 7, 2024, 17 individuals, including 13 children, have died due to an unidentified illness. Despite extensive efforts by various health agencies, the exact cause remains undetermined.
Over the last 15 days, no new cases have been reported, and most of the previously admitted patients have recovered, which has brought some relief to the fear-stricken community.
Locals said that though delayed, the government’s preventive measures have helped in containing the crisis. However, they demanded urgent response regarding the exact cause of the deaths so that proper safety measures can be put in place and that the residents can resume normal life without fear.
They expressed frustration over the slow pace of the investigation, saying the issue should have been treated as a health emergency and resolved on priority.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has questioned over 100 individuals but has not uncovered any new leads.
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has ruled out infectious agents as the cause, shifting the focus of the investigation toward potential toxins. Experts from AIIMS Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh have visited the affected area, collected samples, and are conducting analyses to identify possible toxic substances.
A top doctor informed that all the patients at GMC Rajouri have recovered and all of them are off the atropine now.
He said that antidotes given to the affected patients have been effective, but authorities still lack conclusive evidence about the cause of the deaths and are awaiting Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reports.
The medico said that authorities have narrowed down investigations on toxins like Aldicarb, Cadmium and other salts but official reports are yet to come.
“At least, we have found a solution in the form of antidote Atropine, which has given 100 percent results,” he said.
“Atropine is an antidote for organophosphorus poisoning, but surprisingly the typical features of organophosphorus poisoning were not there but based on treatment data analysis of those who survived in December with those who could not, atropine was given that helped to treat patients,” he added.
He said official reports are yet to come but they are expecting them this week.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, and the village remains under strict surveillance to prevent further incidents.
