Rajouri (Jammu & Kashmir), January 22:
In a move to curb the mysterious deaths that have shaken the region, the district administration of Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, has declared Badhaal village a containment zone. The decision comes after 17 unexplained deaths were reported, including 13 children from three families, between December 7, 2024, and January 19, 2025.
To ensure the safety of the community, Section 163 of the BNSS (previously Section 144 of CrPC) has been imposed in the area. As part of the containment measures, the district administration has divided Badhaal into three zones, each with specific restrictions.
Strict Restrictions in Place
- Zone 1: Houses of the affected families have been sealed off, with entry allowed only for authorized personnel.
- Zone 2: Close contacts of the deceased are being closely monitored, with many relocated to the Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri for ongoing health checks.
- Zone 3: All households in Badhaal are under constant surveillance to ensure proper food distribution and to prevent the spread of any potential illness.
Authorities are keeping a close eye on food distribution, with police officers assigned to enforce compliance. A monitoring officer is also tracking the distribution and consumption of food to ensure it is done systematically.
Investigation Underway
The cause of the deaths remains a mystery, prompting the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the situation. On January 21, a high-level team from the Union Home Ministry continued its inquiry in the affected areas. The team has already visited the families involved, collecting samples for further analysis.
The investigation is particularly focused on the home of Muhammad Aslam, who tragically lost eight family members. Additionally, the team inspected the residence of Fazal Hussain, where five family members, including children, succumbed to the illness in early December 2024.
Epidemiological Study in Progress
To get to the root of the situation, experts are conducting an epidemiological study to analyze any potential links between the affected families. The experts are working in close coordination with local officials and have been operating within a restricted environment to maintain the integrity of the investigation.
Government Response
On January 21, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the village to meet with grieving families. He assured the public that efforts were underway to understand the cause of the deaths. “The probe is ongoing, and we are committed to finding out what happened,” Abdullah stated. “The joint efforts of the civil administration, police, and the Government of India will help provide the answers the people of Badhaal deserve.”
He further emphasized that although building large hospitals everywhere might not be feasible, the state government is working to improve healthcare facilities, especially in remote areas, to prevent such incidents in the future.
The chief minister also provided an update on the health department’s response. “Upon learning of the tragedy, we mobilized our health teams and conducted all necessary tests. These tests revealed that no bacteria or viruses were involved, which means this is not a disease outbreak,” Abdullah said.
The Investigation Continues
As the investigation progresses, authorities remain hopeful that they will uncover the cause of these tragic deaths and prevent any further loss of life. Meanwhile, residents of Badhaal are anxiously waiting for answers, with local officials and health experts working tirelessly to ensure the situation is under control.
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