AIIMS-Delhi experts arrive in Rajouri to probe cause of mysterious deaths

Nearly two months after the first report of an unexplained illness in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, a team from AIIMS-Delhi interacted with 11 patients currently undergoing treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri.

The team also visited the village on Sunday to investigate the source of toxins believed to be behind the deaths of 17 people.

The expert team, consisting of five members from India’s premier medical institution, arrived in Rajouri to understand the cause of the illness, which remains unidentified despite several tests conducted by previous medical teams. Since December 7, 17 people have died, all of whom belong to three inter-related families.

The AIIMS team, led by Director Dr M Srinivas, includes Dr A Shariff, Professor in Clinical Toxicology; Dr Shailendra Kumar, Additional Professor of Anesthesia and Critical Care; Dr. Jamahed Nayer, Additional Professor of Emergency Medicine; Dr Jagdish Prasad Meena, Additional Professor of Pediatrics; and Dr Javed Qadri, Assistant Professor in Clinical Toxicology.

The team arrived in Rajouri on Friday night, where they interacted with patients and their families at GMC Rajouri, making several inquiries about the incident. The 11 patients are being treated with atropine, an anti-poison drug.

In an effort to contain the suspected toxins, the administration has sealed all shops and establishments in the village.

To prevent further casualties, 87 families, comprising 364 individuals, have been relocated from Badhaal to Rajouri. These families are currently housed at the Nursing College, Government Boys Higher Secondary School and GMC, where they remain under observation.

Meanwhile, a team led by District Youth Services and Sports Officer Sukhdev Raj, along with PEM Adris Ahmed Wani, visited the lodging centres to interact with the displaced families. During the visit, recreational items such as carom boards, volleyballs, cricket kits, and other sports equipment were distributed to the children to help boost their morale during the temporary stay.

“The initiative aims to provide a sense of normalcy and psychological relief to the displaced families, especially children, during their temporary stay at different lodgement centres,” an official said.

Officials assured the displaced families that the administration is committed to ensure their well-being and provide all necessary facilities during this challenging time.