Rajouri's Mystery Illness: Neurotoxins Caused Death Says Health Experts

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of J&K and experts was established on Wednesday to investigate the cause behind the deaths of 13 people, including children, over the past 40 days. Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo stated on Wednesday that the deaths were not due to any disease, as health experts revealed that the cause of death in Baadhal village of Rajouri was linked to certain neurotoxins found in the samples.

What happened?

There were three repeated instances of deaths. The first death in the village was recorded on December 7, 2024, prompting local authorities to conduct immediate tests, focusing on water and food samples. In the second instance, three more people died, and an external team, in addition to local authorities, was instructed to conduct further tests. Five more deaths were reported 40 days later in the third instance.

A question arises: “Is it an infection?” If so, it should have shown positive results. However, tests from both the first and second instances were negative, and no virus was detected.

A Special Investigation Team (SIT) of J&K and experts was established on Wednesday to investigate the cause behind the deaths of 13 people, including children, over the past 40 days. Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo stated on Wednesday that the deaths were not due to any disease, as health experts revealed that the cause of death in Baadhal village of Rajouri was linked to certain neurotoxins found in the samples.

What happened?

There were three repeated instances of deaths. The first death in the village was recorded on December 7, 2024, prompting local authorities to conduct immediate tests, focusing on water and food samples. In the second instance, three more people died, and an external team, in addition to local authorities, was instructed to conduct further tests. Five more deaths were reported 40 days later in the third instance.

A question arises: “Is it an infection?” If so, it should have shown positive results. However, tests from both the first and second instances were negative, and no virus was detected.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has sent a team to investigate the samples, including multiple teams from India's top institutions: The Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh; the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi; the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune; the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR); and the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE), Gwalior. This follows a fresh case of deaths reported this month, where water and food samples again yielded negative results.

Health Minister Sakina Masood Itoo stated that out of the 13 deaths, 11 were children, and these deaths occurred within three families. Two of the families live 1.5 km apart. If it were a disease, it would likely have spread to other areas in the village over the 40-day period.

Considering this fact, further investigation is necessary. The health minister has instructed local authorities and police to thoroughly investigate the deaths.

A source mentioned that the department has already collected water and food samples to assess the safety and quality of essential supplies in the region. The administration has also deployed a mobile medical unit and ambulance to address any emergent medical needs.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Iftkar Ahmed has demanded a magisterial inquiry into the mysterious deaths in Rajouri.

Mr. Ahmed stated, “Deaths are not stopping. It’s a matter of concern. It must be identified whether it’s a conspiracy or some sort of food poisoning.”

J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo has met with all concerned divisional and district administrations and health officials to identify the real cause behind the mysterious deaths. The minister said a conclusion would be drawn only after the inquiry is completed.

The minister added, “I am in touch with the district development commissioner and have also spoken to the senior superintendent of police. There should be a prompt investigation to unveil the truth.”

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Dr Lakshmisahithi Tanneru/MSM)