Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Jan 20: A high-level inter-ministerial team formed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has arrived in Budhal village, Rajouri, to investigate the mysterious deaths that have claimed 17 lives over the past 50 days.
An official said that the team was accompanied by experts from some of the most reputed institutions in the country. The team interacted with locals and officials and collected various samples for comprehensive analysis.
The investigation team included experts from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers and the Ministry of Water Resources. Specialists from animal husbandry, food safety, and forensic science laboratories were also present.
The team was supported by Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, SSP Rajouri, and other senior officials. The experts’ primary objective is to understand the causative factors behind the deaths and manage the situation effectively.
J&K Health Minister Sakeena Itoo said no virus or infection has been identified as the cause of the deaths.
She said samples analysed at premier laboratories revealed the presence of neurotoxins, which have caused brain damage. The government has sent these samples for broader investigations to determine the specific toxin responsible, as there are over 800 potential poisons under consideration.
A local water spring, used by around 15 families—including three directly affected families—was sealed after traces of pesticides and insecticides were found in the water.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday directed the formation of the inter-ministerial team after three incidents of unexplained deaths were reported in the village.
Meanwhile, the Jammu & Kashmir Police have established an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter.
Locals expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s initial response, accusing authorities of being casual until multiple deaths occurred.
MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary said the government initially believed the first death was due to food poisoning and only took the situation seriously after the second fatality.
“Three related families suffered the most as they lost a majority of their members,” he said Choudhary said. He assured residents that the government is now fully engaged in the investigation.
The MLA said no new illnesses have been reported in the village, and the situation is under control. He urged locals to remain patient while investigations continue.
The government has pledged to expedite the process and determine the cause of these deaths as quickly as possible.
