NVI Correspondent
Rajouri, Jan 21(NVI) Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today visited Badhal village in Rajouri district to console families mourning the loss of 17 members, including 13 children, who died under mysterious circumstances over the past six weeks.
Accompanied by National Conference MLA Javaid Iqbal Choudhary, the chief minister visited the graveyard to offer ‘Fateh’ (special prayers) for the deceased and expressed solidarity with the grieving families. He personally met Mohd Aslam, who lost six children in the tragedy. Aslam and his wife are the only survivors of their family and are now under the care of relatives.
The deaths, occurring between December 7 and January 19, have devastated three interconnected families in the village, located 55 km from Rajouri town.
An ongoing investigation led by a high-level inter-ministerial team has ruled out a communicable disease as the cause. Initial findings suggest environmental contamination, with traces of neurotoxins detected in the victims’ samples. Authorities have sealed a local spring after its water tested positive for pesticides or insecticides, fueling concerns of poisoning.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the tragedy further. While officials have assured there is no immediate public health risk, the incident has highlighted the urgent need for stricter environmental monitoring, safe water practices, and support for affected families(News Vibes of India)
