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Rajouri, J&K – February 7, 2025: In a significant move, authorities in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district have sealed all pesticide and insecticide shops following 17 ‘mysterious deaths’ in Budhal village over the past nine weeks. The preventive measure comes amid an ongoing investigation into the cause of the deaths, officials reported on Thursday.
Preventive Actions Taken
Officials confirmed that the decision to close all pesticide, insecticide, and fertiliser stores was taken after surprise inspections were conducted across the district. These inspections, carried out by joint teams from the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drugs Control Organization, and law enforcement personnel, were led by an executive magistrate.
Approximately 250 such outlets have been shut down until further orders, as authorities attempt to identify any possible links between the reported deaths and chemical exposure.
Medical Investigations Underway
A team of doctors from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Delhi, recently concluded a three-day visit to Rajouri. The five-member expert panel, including toxicology specialists, examined the affected patients, conducted interviews, and collected clinical samples for analysis.
During their medical assessment, doctors at the Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Rajouri, administered atropine to all affected patients. Dr. A.S. Bhatia, Principal of GMCH, stated that atropine is an antidote commonly used for organophosphorus poisoning. Based on this, medical experts suspect that the deaths resulted from organophosphorus poisoning.
Unusual Symptoms Raise Questions
One perplexing aspect of the investigation is the deviation from typical organophosphorus poisoning symptoms. While the poison usually causes dilated eye pupils, affected patients from Budhal village exhibited constricted pupils, along with high fever, vomiting, excessive sweating, and unconsciousness. Experts are now investigating why these unusual symptoms manifested in these cases.
“The good news is that all 11 patients who were admitted to the hospital with symptoms of the mysterious illness have been treated with atropine and have fully recovered,” said Dr. Bhatia. These patients were discharged on Tuesday, marking a hopeful development in the crisis.
Awaiting Conclusive Findings
Authorities have assured the public that further investigations are ongoing, with experts examining various environmental and toxicological factors. The closure of chemical outlets in Rajouri remains a precautionary measure until conclusive findings emerge.
Disclaimer: This report is based on official statements and medical evaluations. Investigations are still in progress, and conclusions regarding the exact cause of deaths are yet to be finalized. Readers are advised to await further updates from authorized sources.
