CS Dulloo calls for stringent monitoring & probe into Badhaal deaths

Jammu, Jan 21: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today convened a meeting with Divisional and District administrations, Health experts, and the Police Department to assess the ongoing efforts to identify the causes behind the mysterious deaths reported from Badhal village in Rajouri.
The meeting, attended by senior officials including the Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department, ADGP Jammu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, and experts from national health institutions, focused on taking immediate measures to prevent further fatalities.
Dulloo emphasised the need for stringent containment measures in consultation with the Divisional administration to ensure there are no further casualties. He instructed Health and Police departments to draft a standard operating procedure (SOP) for monitoring the affected population and to deploy sufficient personnel to enforce the SOP guidelines.
The Chief Secretary also highlighted the importance of ensuring only tested food and non-food items are used by those under quarantine, stressing that both Police and Health professionals should continue their investigations as per established procedures until the cause of death is determined.
He directed the concerned authorities to review reports from national diagnostic institutions that had tested samples from the village and take all necessary actions to protect the villagers’ lives until the toxicology results clarify the cause of the deaths.
Dulloo acknowledged the progress made by the Police’s Special Investigation Team (SIT) and other investigative agencies, including the team sent by the Ministry of Home Affairs. He sought expert advice on preventive measures to limit further harm.
Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department, informed the meeting that health teams have been deployed to monitor symptoms and that all necessary precautions, including food and water testing, have been taken for the affected families. Additionally, local health centers are on high alert to provide support as needed.
The authorities assured that strict measures are being implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of the villagers while investigations continue.
Jaishankar attends inaugural celebrations as Trump becomes 47th US President
Washington DC , Jan 21 : External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar attended the inaugural celebrations during the swearing-in ceremony of Donald Trump as the 47th President of US at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Monday evening (local time).
“Attended the Inaugural festivities in Washington this evening. Occasion to meet key members of President Trump’s Administration,” the EAM posted on X.
During the event, Jaishankar met key members of President Donald Trump’s administration, including the 56th Speaker of the US House of Representatives, Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. He also interacted with the nominee for the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the Trump Administration, Kash Patel.
“Delighted to meet Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader John Thune at the evening function,” he said.
He also met the President of Argentina, Javier Milei and conveyed greetings to him from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“Glad to meet President Javier Milei of Argentina. Conveyed greetings of PM Narendra Modi,” the EAM added.
Earlier, Jaishankar said that it was a “great honour” to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of US President Donald Trump.
Sharing the pictures of the inauguration ceremony on X, he wrote, “A great honour to represent India at the inauguration ceremony of @POTUS President Donald J Trump and @VP Vice President JD Vance in Washington DC today.”
His attendance underscores the importance of India-US relations and the global diplomatic ties shared between the two nations as President Trump begins his second stint in office. Earlier in the day, Donald Trump was sworn in as the 47th president of the United States at the US Capitol in Washington, DC. US Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath to Trump.
Prior to Trump’s swearing-in, JD Vance was sworn in as the 50th US Vice President.
After taking the oath, Trump declared that the “golden age” of America had begun and “today marks the Liberation Day for the country.” (ANI)