Aslam’s nephew in critical condition, being referred to PGI
* Central team continues investigation in Badhaal
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Jan 21: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah stated that an investigation is active to uncover the circumstances surrounding the 17 deaths in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, and assured the community that answers will be forthcoming.
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During his visit to the affected Badhaal village today, where he expressed condolences to the grieving families, Omar mentioned that while establishing large hospitals everywhere isn’t feasible, he is committed to improving healthcare in remote and underserved areas.
“We need to understand what caused this situation. It’s not an infectious disease, hence the police are investigating. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been assigned to conclude the inquiry soon,” he articulated.
“The Centre has also dispatched a team that is currently gathering samples and conducting necessary actions. I want to reassure everyone that the collective efforts of civil authorities, law enforcement, and the Government of India will reveal the facts behind these events,” the Chief Minister assured.
Omar indicated that his Government acted promptly after learning about the incident.
“The Health and Medical Education department mobilized teams and involved other departments. The district administration is also striving to ascertain the reasons behind the fatalities,” he said. Click here to watch video
“Initially, the focus was on determining if this was due to an infectious disease; if it were, our primary responsibility was to prevent its spread. All tests were performed, revealing no bacteria or virus,” Omar stated.
He added that ongoing investigations have yet to identify a definitive cause for the tragic deaths that predominantly affected children in three families.
When asked about opposition critiques regarding the Government’s response to the situation, the CM noted that he would refrain from engaging in political discussions about such tragedies.
“Had we acted hastily and made erroneous decisions, you would have held us accountable for the fatalities. The administration responded appropriately, and local MLA (Javaid Iqbal Choudhary) worked closely with the community, keeping them informed and reassured.
“We took our time because establishing the cause of the deaths proved challenging. However, we will reveal the truth in a few days and we are prepared for that,” he assured, adding, “we will provide answers to all inquiries.”
The Chief Minister also mentioned discussions held with the Deputy Commissioner and the MLA who suggested measures that will be implemented promptly.
In response to concerns over enhancing health infrastructure, he acknowledged the limitations of establishing large hospitals in every locality, reiterating that healthcare facilities are sanctioned based on need, demographics, and context.
“Large hospitals are not feasible in remote areas, but we commit to addressing any gaps in Primary Health Centres, Community Health Centres, and Sub District Hospitals across J&K,” he affirmed.
Accompanied by Minister for Jal Shakti Department Javed Rana, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, SSP Rajouri Gaurav Sikarwar, and other officials, the Chief Minister arrived at Badhaal village to meet with families mourning their losses due to a ‘mysterious illness’.
Expressing sincere sorrow, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences and assured the bereaved families of the Government’s unwavering support and assistance.
He emphasized that the Government prioritizes the prevention of such incidents in the future and aims to halt the occurrence of further tragic deaths.
He guaranteed the public that a thorough investigation is in progress to uncover the cause behind this disaster.
During his visit, MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, presented a compensation proposal for the affected families.
The Chief Minister confirmed that the proposal is under serious review and pledged swift action.
He instructed Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, to provide all necessary support to the families in this trying period.
He reassured the public that the findings of the investigation will be shared transparently, with appropriate actions undertaken based on the results.
Appealing for restraint regarding political interference, he stated, “I urge everyone to allow the relevant authorities to carry out their responsibilities. Determining the causes behind these tragic deaths is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to preventing such incidents in the future.”
Meanwhile, another villager from Badhaal became ill on Tuesday and was transported to Kandi hospital for treatment by family members. The individual, identified as 25-year-old Mohd Ajaz, is reportedly the nephew of Mohd Aslam, who lost six children due to the ‘mysterious illness’.
Doctors at CHC Kandi reported that the young man experienced severe abdominal pain and difficulty urinating. He was subsequently transferred to GMC Hospital Rajouri. After undergoing several tests, he was referred to GMC Jammu late in the evening.
GMC Rajouri Principal, Dr. AS Bhatia, indicated that Ajaz’s condition had deteriorated significantly, necessitating his further transfer to GMC Jammu, accompanied by a medical team in a ventilator-equipped ambulance.
Efforts are being made for his airlift to PGI Chandigarh, facilitated by both divisional and district administration.
A senior district official noted that a high-level, 14-member inter-ministerial team visited Badhaal village on the second day of their inquiry concerning the mysterious deaths of 17 individuals from three families. The tragic incident has raised considerable alarm, prompting the Central Government to send experts from some of the nation’s leading institutions to investigate these fatalities.
The Central team, led by GK Garg, Director in the Ministry of Home Affairs, reached Rajouri district headquarters on Sunday evening. They were thoroughly briefed by senior local officials from the district administration, health, and police sectors before descending into the affected village.
The team revisited Badhaal on the following day, engaging with the families in mourning to grasp the details surrounding the tragedy. They also collected food samples from the residences of Mohd Rafeeq, Mohd Aslam, Fazal Hussain, and Nizam Din. Authorities had previously sealed a local spring in the village after water samples indicated contamination by pesticides/insecticides, believed to be a potential source of pollution.
During the team’s visit, they convened with local officials to deliberate on immediate measures and further plans to manage the situation. Experts are currently analyzing the gathered samples to pinpoint the exact cause of death, with preliminary findings suggesting possible food or water contamination.
The presence of this team reflects the Central Government’s commitment to addressing this serious incident promptly and effectively, ensuring thorough exploration into the underlying causes behind this tragedy to avert future occurrences, as affirmed by the official.
