Avinash Azad
In a significant revelation in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, the government has disclosed critical details regarding the recent mysterious disease outbreak in Badhal village, Rajouri, which claimed 17 lives and left scores hospitalized. The government’s response came in reply to a question raised by MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, seeking clarity on the cause and response to the tragedy.
According to official findings, clinical reports, laboratory investigations, and environmental sampling indicate that the deaths were not caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Instead, tests conducted by multiple prestigious laboratories have identified the presence of toxic chemicals in food samples collected from the affected households.
Findings from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, confirmed the presence of Aluminium and Cadmium. Further analysis by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Lucknow, detected Aldicarb Sulphate, Acetamide Diethyl Dithiocarbamate, and Chlorphenapyr.
Additionally, the Defence Research and Development Establishment (DRDE-DRDO), Gwalior, found traces of Chlorphenapyr and Abrin in samples of sattu (roasted gram flour) and maize bread consumed by the victims.
The National Food Laboratory (NFL), FSSAI Ghaziabad, also identified Chlorphenapyr and Chlorpyrifos in the tested food items. The Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL), Chandigarh, further confirmed that viscera samples from all deceased individuals contained Chlorphenapyr, a highly toxic pesticide.
The outbreak affected a total of 64 individuals, all of whom were admitted to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. While 41 patients were discharged after treatment, 17 were shifted to GMC Jammu, and one critical case was referred to PGIMER Chandigarh for specialized care. Despite the severity of the incident, only three affected families have received compensation from the Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, under the Red Cross Fund.
Each of these families was given ₹1 lakh as financial aid for the loss of their loved ones. The revelations have sparked concerns over possible food contamination, raising serious questions about food safety regulations and enforcement in the region. The government has yet to clarify whether these toxic substances were introduced accidentally or if foul play is suspected. Meanwhile, locals are demanding a thorough probe into the matter and enhanced support for the affected families. As the investigation continues, the mysterious deaths in Badhal remain a grim reminder of the urgent need for stringent food safety measures and swift government action in crisis situations.
