Srinagar, Jan 27:
The cause behind the tragic deaths of 17 persons, including 14 children, in Badhal village of Rajouri District remains undetermined as investigations continue. Authorities are exploring several possibilities, with organophosphorus poisoning being a leading suspect.
While patients undergoing treatment show signs of recovery, the officials are awaiting laboratory reports for conclusive findings.
Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr A S Bhatia told Rising Kashmir that Organophosphorus poisoning is suspected to be the cause of deaths in Badhaal village.
He said that they may have identified the likely toxin behind the mystery deaths, as patients receiving antidote drugs are recovering well.
He also said that Patients were administered atropine injections, an antidote for organophosphorus poisoning following which they showed recovery.
“There are no official reports yet, but we have observed positive signs with atropine being effective. This narrows down the type of poison, likely organophosphorus, in the village. However, the official confirmation will only come after reports are finalized and shared by the government”, Bhatia told Rising Kashmir.
Speaking further, Dr Bhatia said that 11 patients were admitted to GMC Rajouri, many of whom are now fully recovered and under observation.
“Atropine is very effective against organophosphorus poisons. While the poisoning is not typical of organophosphorus, the compound may be related to this group. However, we cannot confirm this until official reports are released,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
When asked if the toxin could be linked to natural or chemical sources, the official declined to comment. “We cannot say anything definitively at this stage. The matter is under police investigation, and they have not shared conclusive details yet,” he said.
He also said that there may be possibility of the toxin being related to food items consumed at home but refrained from making any definitive claims. “We need to await laboratory confirmation before commenting further,” he added.
The official emphasized the need for caution and said that no assumptions should be made without confirmed reports. The police investigation is ongoing, and further samples are being analyzed to pinpoint the exact source of the poisoning, he added.
The deaths, which have claimed 17 lives, including 14 children, and left several others undergoing treatment, occurred between December 7, 2024, and January 19, 2025, baffling health authorities.
Adding to the investigation, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta, Principal GMC Jammu, said that there is need for patience before concluding the exact cause.
“This is too early to make assumptions. Let the investigating agencies complete their work”, Dr Gupta told Rising Kashmir
He said that multiple national-level agencies, including the Indian Institute of Toxicology, FSL Chandigarh, and ICMR Delhi, are examining samples. He also clarified that attributing recoveries solely to atropine is premature.
“Atropine is just one part of a broader medical teamwork effort. To label it a ‘magic antidote’ is unscientific at this stage,” he said.
Dr. Gupta also said that all three patients admitted in Jammu have been discharged and sent back to their homes, and one patient from PGIMER Chandigarh is set to return tomorrow.
The authorities have imposed containment measures in the affected area to prevent the illness’s spread. Investigations, including an SIT probe, are underway to uncover all possible causes, including communal angles.
Dr. Manohar Lal, CMO Rajouri said that around 200 people at Nursing College Rajouri and 163 at Government High School, Rajouri are under observation.
He also said that six teams are working on sampling at quarantine centres, and the testing process is still ongoing, with another team of 50 members in Badhal village conducting further investigations.
