Speed up investigation into Rajouri deaths, orders Omar as toll rises to 16

With the death of a 60-year-old woman, identified as Jatti Begum, at the Government Medical College in Rajouri, the number of fatalities due to the mysterious illness has risen to 16, raising serious concerns about the healthcare facilities provided to the affected families.

The latest victim passed away on Friday after she complained of illness and was rushed to the hospital. She was the wife of Mohammad Yusuf, who had also succumbed to the same illness on January 13. All the deceased belonged to three related families in the village.

In light of the ongoing deaths, the district administration of Rajouri has sealed the homes of the affected families and moved the remaining members to government accommodations, where they are under constant monitoring by medical teams concerned.

Shockingly, another minor, who lost five of her siblings in recent days, remains critical at SMGS Hospital in Jammu. She has been on a ventilator since Thursday evening. The child is the daughter of Mohammad Aslam.

The administration has also inspected several chemist shops in the area to determine if any medicines consumed by the families could be linked to the deaths.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting to address the alarming situation in Rajouri. Health Minister Sakina Itoo, Adviser to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Jammu ADGP Anand Jain, Jammu Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, and Secretary of Health & Medical Education Syed Abid Rasheed Shah were present at the meeting.

The CM was informed that health department teams had conducted a door-to-door survey of over 3,000 residents in the affected area, collecting and testing samples of water, food, and other materials.

Police officials reported that investigations are underway to determine the root cause of the fatalities, which have been confined to three families residing within a 1.5-kilometer radius of each other.

CM Omar Abdullah directed the health and police departments to expedite their investigations.

“The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning, and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in resolving this issue,” he said.

The CM assured the public that the administration has given the matter top priority. “The health and safety of our people remain our top priority. We are committed to resolving this crisis and ensuring justice for the bereaved families,” Abdullah added.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Chowdhary visited the hospital on Friday to inquire about the health of the Rajouri tragedy victims. While interacting with the hospital administration and medical staff, Chowdhary directed them to provide all necessary medical facilities.

Speaking to media, he stated that the government has already initiated a comprehensive research exercise to ascertain the cause of this tragedy. He added that the police and other agencies have been directed to conduct thorough investigations, and action will be taken against any perpetrators if foul play is detected.