GG News Bureau
Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, 19th Jan.
Budhal village in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, has been gripped by fear and uncertainty as 16 people from three families have succumbed to a mysterious illness over the past 45 days. With no clear cause initially identified, the deaths have prompted the government to launch a high-level investigation involving multiple health and forensic agencies.
Government’s Swift Response
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened an emergency meeting on Thursday, instructing health and police authorities to expedite the probe. Emphasizing the gravity of the situation, Abdullah assured the bereaved families that his administration is committed to uncovering the truth and ensuring justice.
“The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning. All departments must work collaboratively and leave no stone unturned to resolve this crisis,” Abdullah said during the meeting. Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo were among the officials present.
Timeline of Incidents
The first fatalities occurred on December 7, 2024, after a community meal left seven members of a family ill, resulting in five deaths. Similar tragedies struck on December 12 and January 12, with three and six fatalities respectively, all linked to community gatherings.
On Wednesday night, 10-year-old Zabeena Kouser died at Jammu’s SMGS Hospital, while her 15-year-old sister Yasmeen remains critical. The latest casualty occurred on Friday when 60-year-old Jatti Begum succumbed to the illness.
Findings and Investigations
Health department teams have surveyed over 3,000 residents in the affected area and conducted extensive testing of water, food, and other materials. However, initial tests—including advanced analyses by leading institutes like ICMR, NCDC, CSIR, and DRDO—ruled out bacterial, viral, or communicable diseases.
Recent reports, however, have revealed the presence of neurotoxins in samples analyzed by CSIR-IITR and other laboratories. These toxins, which disrupt nerve function, were identified as the likely cause of brain swelling and subsequent fatalities.
Dr. A.S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College Rajouri, stated, “The neurotoxins found in the samples caused irreversible brain damage. Unfortunately, once severe brain swelling occurs, it is nearly impossible to save the patient.”
Authorities have sealed the homes of affected families and relocated 21 close relatives to government accommodations for monitoring. Despite these efforts, no other villagers have reported symptoms, deepening the mystery.
Local and Political Reactions
The incidents have shaken the entire region. A BJP delegation, led by former J&K party chief Ravinder Raina, visited the village to meet grieving families. Raina assured them of a thorough investigation, stating, “The tragic loss of lives has shattered the community, and we will stand by the affected families.”
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also expressed condolences and pledged swift action. Health Minister Sakeena Masood reiterated that the illness is not linked to any communicable disease and stressed the need for continued vigilance.
Neurotoxin-Related Concerns
Experts explain that neurotoxins—substances that impair the nervous system—can originate from natural sources like plants, bacteria, or animals, as well as synthetic chemicals. The exact source of the neurotoxins in Budhal remains under investigation.
A Village Gripped by Fear
The affected families are mourning an unimaginable loss. Mohammad Aslam, who lost five children, said his daughter Yasmeena is now his only surviving child. A new graveyard has been established on Aslam’s farmland to accommodate the recent fatalities.
Residents of Budhal are living in constant fear, with many refraining from attending community gatherings. One local stated, “We have never experienced such fear of death before.”
As investigations continue, the government and health agencies remain under pressure to provide answers and prevent further tragedies.
The post Mystery Illness Claims 16 Lives in Rajouri: Neurotoxins Identified as Culprit appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
