Jammu, Feb 15: Rare pesticide has been found in the food grain samples of the three affected families of Badhal Village of Rajouri, where seventeen (17) people, including 13 children, have died so far mysteriously.
“A rare pesticide has been found during testing of the samples of food grains collected from the 3 affected families of Badhal Village,” a senior officer of the health department informed Rising Kashmir, while wishing not to be named.
“The pesticide has been found in both the Atta/wheat and Makki Atta,” the senior official said, while adding, “this rare pesticide is not commonly used and the government agencies are investigating the source from where this rare pesticide came from and who is responsible”.
Sources said that the report of the various agencies investigating the matter will come out soon. It may be mentioned that the eleven (11) member inter-ministerial team visited the three (3) affected families at Badhal Village of Rajouri District of Jammu, in January where seventeen (17) people, including 13 children, have died so far mysteriously.
The inter-ministerial team collected samples of water, soil and food grains from the affected 3 families and the surrounding areas of their homes with special focus on water and food grains’ and water source.
The samples collected by the inter-ministerial team had already been sent for testing to the reputed labs of the country like in Pune, Delhi, Chandigarh for ascertaining exact reasons behind the mysterious deaths.
The investigation conducted by the inter-ministerial team at Rajouri last month was headed by the Director, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).