Legislators press for CBI inquiry into Rajouri deaths

The Jammu and Kashmir Government revealed on Wednesday in the Legislative Assembly that six toxins were detected in samples from Badhaal village in Rajouri district, where 17 people mysteriously died. Legislators have now called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry to determine the cause of these deaths.

J&K’s Health Minister Sakeena Itoo, in response to questions raised by MLA Javid Iqbal Chaudhary, confirmed that the investigation into the deaths is ongoing. Chaudhary had inquired about the status of the investigation into the mysterious illnesses and deaths in Rajouri.

The Health Minister stated, “Clinical reports, lab investigations and environmental samples indicate that the incidents are not due to a communicable disease of bacterial or viral origin.”

The government provided a detailed account of the toxins found in the samples, with Chlorfenapyr- a lethal insteciticide detected by all labs. PGIMER Chandigarh identified the presence of aluminium and cadmium, while CSIR’s Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (IITR) detected Aldicarb sulphate, Acetamipride, Diethyldithiocarbamate and Chlorphenapyr. DRDO’s Defence Research & Development Establishment also found Chlorfenapyr and Abrin in samples of sattu and maize bread.

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and NFL reported the presence of Chlorfenapyr and Chlorpyrifos in food samples. Additionally, the Central Forensic Science Laboratory in Chandigarh found Chlorfenapyr in the viscera samples of all 17 deceased individuals.

The first death at Badhaal occurred in December and the toll eventually reached 17, with fatalities spanning three families. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently probing the case.

In a supplementary question, MLA Chaudhary suggested that the deaths may be part of a larger conspiracy, aimed at destabilising the region and called for a CBI investigation to uncover who was behind the poisoning.

The Health Minister, however, clarified that the Health Department’s role had been fulfilled. “We did our work and found that it is not a disease. Now, regarding the investigation, the Home department is still conducting the investigation and since it is not under our control, we cannot order any new inquiry,” she said.

CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yusuf Tarigami expressed concern over the nature of the deaths and stressed the need for a inquiry into the matter.