Indian authorities have launched an investigation after the mysterious deaths of 17 people in a single village in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. 17 people have lost their lives since December 7 in Badhal, a remote village in Rajouri district of Jammu. Among the dead are 12 children.
The victims initially showed symptoms of 'food poisoning'. But the local health officials said that he suddenly lost consciousness. After the incident, the village has been declared a containment zone. Although Officials say it is not a contagious disease and there is no fear of an epidemic.
The head of the local hospital. AS Bhatia said that five patients, including four children, who were initially admitted to the hospital, had problems including vomiting and diarrhoea. Other patients reported sore throats and breathing problems. But he said that all of them suddenly lost consciousness after some time. The federal government of India has ordered an inquiry into the
incident. In the special investigation team formed by the local administration, the team consisting of police officers, pathologists and other experts has already interrogated dozens of people.
According to the preliminary investigation, it is said that the locals died due to consumption of contaminated food and water. The residents of the village have been asked not to drink the water of the local spring after the amount of pesticide was found in the sample test.
13 people died between December 7 and January 19. It is said that the deceased were members of three families. Indian media reported that six of the dead children were siblings and their ages ranged from 7 to 15 years.
At least 10 people have been admitted to hospitals in Rajouri, Jammu and Chandigarh cities for treatment. Dr. Suja Quadri of Rajouri Government Medical College said that there is no possibility of viral, bacterial, protozoal and zoonotic infection in the dead.
