In a heartbreaking series of events, 17 individuals from three families in Badhaal village, located in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, have tragically died under mysterious circumstances between December 7 and January 19. Despite intensive investigations by both local and national health authorities, the cause of these deaths remains unidentified, creating widespread fear and uncertainty in the village.
The deaths continue to increase, with fresh cases emerging in recent days. On Wednesday, three sisters, aged between 16 and 22, were rushed to the Government Medical College (GMC) in Rajouri after their health suddenly deteriorated. Another critically ill patient, 24-year-old Javid Ahmad, was referred to PGI Chandigarh for advanced treatment. According to officials, all four individuals are closely related to the three families that lost members to the mysterious illness.
Ongoing Investigation and Forensic Testing
The investigation has gained momentum with more than 200 samples sent for testing across various laboratories in India. The Special Investigation Team (SIT), which was formed to probe the deaths, has questioned nearly 100 people, including attendees at a wedding where the first cases were reported. However, as reported by a senior police officer involved in the investigation, “There is no concrete clue yet, as it is proving to be a complex mystery.” The SIT is considering multiple potential causes, such as food poisoning, water contamination, and exposure to toxic substances.
Initial tests have ruled out viral and bacterial infections, and authorities are now focusing on a potential toxin. Senior epidemiologist Shuja Qadri, who is leading investigations at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, told PTI, “Based on our epidemiological investigation, we have reached some probable conclusions, which will be confirmed by lab diagnosis. It is something which is connected with food.” Further investigations aim to identify the neurotoxin suspected to be responsible for the illness, with more than 200 food samples currently under analysis at national institutes. Qadri added, “Hopefully, the laboratories will be in a position to isolate the toxin within a week or 10 days, and we can take the necessary control measures to prevent further deaths.”
SIT’s In-Depth Investigation Efforts
The SIT, comprising police officers, forensic experts, health officials, and pathologists, has already gathered over 12,500 samples, including blood, plasma, food, water, and environmental specimens, which are being sent to national health agencies for analysis. As reported by Deccan Herald, a senior police officer stated, “We have questioned around a hundred people, including those who were present at the wedding where the first cases surfaced. However, there is no concrete clue yet.”
The tragic illness began in early December, and now the situation has become a national health concern. The investigation is also being aided by an inter-ministerial team from New Delhi, led by a director from the Ministry of Home Affairs, who visited Rajouri on Sunday evening. This team continues to assist with the probe, helping both local and central agencies uncover the cause of these mysterious deaths.
Fear and Uncertainty Grip the Village
As the investigation continues, the people of Badhaal remain on edge. The tragic sequence of events has left the community anxious, desperately seeking answers. The mystery surrounding these deaths has only deepened, with each new case intensifying the fear among the residents. National Conference (NC) leader and local MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating, “The fresh cases have deepened the mystery, and we are hopeful that the investigations by both local and central agencies will reach a conclusion soon.”
Choudhary further mentioned that the four newly affected individuals were airlifted to hospitals by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and officials such as Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and Additional Director General of Police, Jammu, Anand Jain have reached Kotranka to review the situation. The local government is taking every step to address the situation, with officials reiterating that necessary measures are in place to prevent further casualties.
As the investigation progresses, health authorities and government officials remain determined to find the cause behind the deaths and bring relief to the community. The entire village is anxiously awaiting answers as the SIT works tirelessly to piece together the puzzle. The investigation will continue to focus on isolating the toxins involved, with experts hopeful that lab results will soon shed light on the mystery, offering hope to the grieving families and the larger community of Badhaal.
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