SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has directed the health and police departments to expedite investigations into the mysterious deaths in Budhal village, Rajouri district, which have claimed 16 lives so far.
Chairing a high-level meeting, the Chief Minister was briefed on the efforts undertaken by health and police teams. The health department has conducted a door-to-door survey covering over 3,000 residents and tested water, food, and environmental samples, all of which returned negative results for contaminants and diseases. Investigations by national institutes, including ICMR and NCDC, have also failed to determine the cause.
Police reported that the deaths are confined to three families within a 1.5-kilometre radius. The Chief Minister emphasised the urgency of resolving the situation and assured the public of the government’s commitment to identifying the cause and supporting the affected families.
Health teams remain active in the village, providing medicines, ambulances, and essential services. The Chief Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families and reassured citizens of the government’s prioritisation of their safety and well-being.
