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Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir – Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have canceled all leaves for doctors and paramedics as part of a heightened medical alert in the aftermath of a series of mysterious deaths in Badhaal village, Rajouri district. Seventeen people from three families have died over the past one-and-a-half months due to an unexplained illness that has led to rising fears in the region.
The situation remains critical as the number of individuals sent to quarantine has surged to 230, with more being identified for precautionary measures. Among those affected are relatives and close contacts of the deceased, including individuals who were involved in the burial and other close interactions with the families.
Medical Response in Full Swing
In a bid to manage the escalating health crisis, the Jammu and Kashmir government has stepped up its response. Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal of Rajouri Government Medical College (GMC) Hospital, addressed the public on Friday, announcing the cancellation of all winter vacations for medical personnel. “The winter vacations have also been canceled to deal with the medical alert situation after 17 people from three families died under mysterious conditions in the last one-and-a-half months,” Dr. Bhatia stated.
To bolster the local medical setup, 10 additional medical students have been deputed to GMC Rajouri. The health condition of three people currently undergoing treatment at GMC Jammu and PGI Chandigarh is being closely monitored.
Investigation Underway
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh shared the latest update on the investigation, stating that a preliminary inquiry conducted by a toxicology laboratory in Lucknow ruled out infections, viruses, or bacteria as the cause. “The cause was not any infection, virus, or bacteria but a toxin,” he confirmed. Investigations into the nature of the toxin are ongoing, with a range of potential toxins being tested.
Security has been ramped up in Rajouri, particularly at the Nursing College quarantine center, which has been heavily secured to prevent further spread. The village of Badhaal, where the deaths occurred, was declared a containment zone earlier this week, and strict prohibitory orders have been imposed on public and private gatherings.
The Criminal Angle
As the investigation continues, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to explore the potential criminal angle. Neurotoxins were found in the samples of the deceased, raising suspicions of foul play. Over 50 individuals have been questioned as part of the police probe.
Dr. Bhatia noted that the common factor among all 17 deaths is the involvement of the brain and nervous system damage. The affected families, including those of Mohammad Fazal, Mohammad Aslam, and Mohammad Rafiq, have all suffered the loss of multiple members, including 13 children.
The government and health authorities are continuing their efforts to uncover the cause of these tragic deaths, with both medical and law enforcement teams working tirelessly to find answers.
Disclaimer: The details provided in this report are based on the information available at the time of writing. Investigations are ongoing, and further updates will be shared as new findings emerge. The nature of the illness and its cause remains under investigation, and authorities urge the public to remain cautious while awaiting official conclusions.
