Minister Urges Calm, Says ‘Root Cause Under Investigation’
Jammu, Jan 15: Tragedy continues to haunt Badhaal village in Rajouri as another minor succumbed to a mysterious illness on Wednesday, taking the death toll to 15. The latest victim, 10-year-old Zabina Kousar, passed away at SMGS Hospital at 9 pm. She is the fifth child lost by Mohammad Aslam, one of three families affected by this unexplained health crisis in the remote Kotranka area of the district.
In response to the escalating crisis, police have constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths, which include 12 children. The 11-member SIT, led by Superintendent of Police (Operations) Budhal, Wajahat Hussain, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the matter, given the sensitivity and urgency surrounding the deaths.
Minister Acknowledges Crisis, Urges Public Support
Sakeena Itoo, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, and Education, addressed the issue earlier in the day, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uncovering the root cause of these tragic deaths.
The minister revealed that comprehensive investigations have been conducted by health department teams, which visited over 3,000 individuals in door-to-door checks in the affected area. Samples of water, food, and other consumables were collected and sent for analysis. However, all tests conducted so far, including those for influenza and other potential infections, have returned negative results.
“We also sent samples to national institutes like ICMR, National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, PGIMER Chandigarh, and others. Every single report came back negative,” Itoo stated.
The minister underscored that the three affected families, residing within a 1.5-kilometer radius, had access to full healthcare support over the past 40 days. This included ambulances, medicines, and other essential resources. “Despite these measures, the situation remains baffling as no infectious disease or health-related issue has been identified so far,” she added.
Focus Shifts to SIT Investigation
With health-related causes ruled out, the focus has shifted to the SIT’s investigation. Officials have assured the public that all angles, including environmental and external factors, will be explored thoroughly.
The minister extended her condolences to the grieving families and reassured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment to resolving the crisis. “We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the root cause behind these tragic deaths. The well-being of our citizens is our top priority,” she said.
Appeal for Calm
Minister Itoo appealed for calm and cooperation from the public, urging residents to support the district administration during the investigation. “This is a sensitive time, and it’s crucial that we work together to find answers and prevent further loss of life,” she said.
The mysterious deaths in Rajouri remain a pressing concern, with the government and investigating teams under immense pressure to deliver answers and restore a sense of safety to the affected community.
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