Srinagar, Jan 19: The Badhhal village in Rajouri district remains shrouded in mystery as the 17th victim succumbed to an unidentified illness on Sunday.
Yasmeena Jan, the last surviving child of Mohammad Aslam, passed away at GMC Jammu, raising the death toll to 17 from this unexplained affliction. Yasmeena had been initially treated at GMC Rajouri before being transferred to GMC Jammu, where she died during treatment. Her passing signifies the devastating loss of Aslam’s entire family, with all six of his children, as well as his maternal uncle and aunt, dying within a week.
An official revealed that 18 members from three families in the village were affected by the illness, with 17 fatalities. Only one person recovered, while two others remain unaffected.
Dr. A. S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College Rajouri, informed Rising Kashmir that neurotoxins were found in the samples tested, suggesting they may be responsible for the deaths. However, he emphasized that investigations are ongoing, and no conclusive cause has been confirmed.
“It is premature to conclusively link the deaths to neurotoxins. The findings are still preliminary, and detailed investigations are in progress,” Dr. Bhatia said.
Bhatia said that samples tested positive for neurotoxins, but researchers and scientists from premier laboratories across India are still investigating the matter. “We cannot confirm neurotoxins as the definitive cause of death yet. Our primary focus is to mitigate fear among the villagers and ensure timely medical care for those affected,” he added.
Investigating teams include experts from the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune. Initial reports have ruled out viral or bacterial infections, narrowing the focus to potential environmental or toxic causes.
Meanwhile, water samples from a spring in the village (Bawli) tested positive for pesticides and insecticides. To prevent further contamination, the Public Health Engineering (PHE) Division Rajouri has sealed the spring under the supervision of a local magistrate.
An official order has tasked Tehsildar Khawas with ensuring that villagers are prohibited from using the contaminated water. Police forces have been deployed to secure the area and prevent unauthorized access.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Jammu and Kashmir Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by SP Wajahat Hussain. The SIT includes forensic experts, microbiologists, and medical professionals, aiming to uncover the origin of the neurotoxins and explore all potential causes, including foul play.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, speaking to reporters on Sunday, assured that health departments and investigative agencies are working diligently, though the cause remains unclear.
On deaths reported in Budhal village due to a ‘mysterious illness’, Sinha told reporters “The health department of J&K and other departments also conducted an investigation into it but the correct facts could not be ascertained.
“Yesterday Union Home Minister Amit Shah constituted a committee of experts and the team has arrived. The police have also formed an SIT.” he mentioned. “I believe that the reason (behind the deaths) will be ascertained very soon.”
The Army has been deployed to the area to provide essential supplies, including food, water, and shelter, to the residents. Locals are grateful for the army’s support. “The army has been deployed here and is providing us with rations, tents, and essential supplies. They’re giving us food, water, and support for 4-5 days. We’re grateful for their help during this difficult time,” says one local.
