Death Toll from Contaminated Drinking Water Rises to Eight in Indore’s Bhagirathpura Area

In the Bhagirathpura area of Indore, a city in the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the number of deaths due to contaminated drinking water has increased to eight within just two days, while 162 patients are being treated in various hospitals. Of these, 26 are in intensive care, and one patient is on a ventilator.

The incident occurred on December 25 and 26, when dozens of people were admitted to different hospitals complaining of vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe infections. Initially, the health department denied any connection between the deaths and contaminated water. However, on Wednesday, the situation worsened following the death of a five-month-old child, prompting Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister and BJP leader Dr. Mohan Yadav to rush to the hospital. Subsequently, the administration finally acknowledged that the death toll due to contaminated water had reached eight.

Given the severity of the situation, an entire ward in the local government hospital has been vacated, while a 100-bed ward has been designated in another hospital. Three officials have been suspended on charges of negligence in the matter. Authorities fear that the number of deaths may rise further.