SRINAGAR: The government said it is intensively monitoring the unfolding situation in Budhal village, Rajouri district, where an unexplained illness has tragically claimed 15 lives, including five children from a single family. Despite extensive investigations, the precise cause of these fatalities remains elusive, with the condition of one more child in critical care at SMGS Hospital, Jammu.
The first signs of the illness appeared on December 7, 2024, after a community meal left a family of seven severely ill, resulting in five fatalities. Days later, on December 12, a similar incident affected a family of nine, leading to three deaths. Most recently, on January 12, 2025, a third family of ten became ill under comparable circumstances, necessitating the hospitalisation of six children. This pattern has created panic in the affected village, prompting some residents to relocate temporarily out of fear for their safety.
The government swiftly initiated investigations, enlisting premier institutions such as the National Institute of Virology (Pune), National Centre for Disease Control (New Delhi), and the Microbiology Department of PGIMER (Chandigarh). These efforts included comprehensive testing of food, water, and environmental samples, as well as biological specimens from affected individuals. Toxicological analysis revealed the presence of toxins, though no viral or bacterial cause could be identified. Investigations ruled out communicable diseases, and all influenza and other viral tests returned negative results.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo, alongside senior officials including Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, has been coordinating the response through numerous high-level meetings and field visits. Teams from the Directorate of Health Services Jammu, Government Medical College Jammu, and Rajouri have conducted door-to-door screenings, medical camps, and rapid response initiatives in the affected region.
To ensure thorough fact-finding, a central team, including experts from institutions like CSIR-IITR and Defence Research Development Establishment (Gwalior), has been deployed to support the local administration. Secretary of the Department of Health Research and Director-General of ICMR, Dr Rajeev Bahl, held consultations to strategise further actions.
Rajouri police have established an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), headed by Superintendent of Police Wajahat Hussain, to probe the deaths. The SIT comprises experts from various disciplines, including forensic medicine, microbiology, and paediatrics. The team will collaborate with professionals from food safety, agriculture, and water management departments to ensure a comprehensive investigation.
The spate of deaths has sparked panic among villagers, with many accusing the government of inadequate action. While the government maintains that all necessary medical and logistical support is being provided, residents are demanding expedited findings and justice. Some families have begun relocating their children to safer areas as a precautionary measure.
Health Minister Sakina Itoo has conveyed her condolences to the bereaved families and reiterated the government’s commitment to uncovering the root cause. She stressed that extensive testing and monitoring efforts are underway, involving national and regional institutions. The minister assured the public that there was no evidence of a public health crisis or communicable disease outbreak and appealed for calm.
The situation remains under close observation, with experts and the administration working tirelessly to determine the causative factors behind these tragic deaths. The government has pledged to leave no stone unturned in addressing the crisis and ensuring the safety of the local population. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
