Bacteriology experts begin probe into Indore water contamination case:15 doctors called in from across MP to aid treatment; death toll rises to 16

The contaminated water crisis in Bhagirathpura, Indore, has worsened, with the death toll rising to 16 and around 150 people still hospitalised. Central health teams have begun a detailed investigation, while senior officials reviewed treatment and water supply arrangements. The situation also triggered political clashes on the ground, leading to the detention of Congress leaders and fresh calls for statewide protests. Death toll rises, many still hospitalised Sixteen people have now died after consuming contaminated water in Bhagirathpura. Around 150 patients remain admitted to various hospitals. Several critically ill patients are being shifted to a single location for better care. After 6 pm on Saturday, 12 ICU patients were moved to the ICU at Bombay Hospital. National Institute team begins bacteria probe A team from the National Institute of Bacteriology arrived in Indore from Kolkata on Saturday. The experts will directly collect water samples from Bhagirathpura. They will conduct a detailed study to identify the bacteria and trace the source and spread of the infection. NHM Director reviews medical arrangements National Health Mission (NHM) Director Saloni Sidana reached Indore on Saturday. She visited several hospitals to assess the condition of patients. Sidana said 15 doctors have been called from other districts to support treatment. She added that medicines and rapid test kits have also been ordered. Congress–BJP clash during fact-finding visit A five-member Congress fact-finding committee reached Bhagirathpura on Saturday.BJP workers opposed their visit and raised slogans of “Outsiders go back”. Congress workers responded with counter-slogans. During the scuffle, a slipper was thrown towards former minister Sajjan Singh Verma. See in pictures, what happened in Bhagirathpura on Saturday – Police detain Congress leaders Police intervened to control the situation. Former minister Sajjan Singh Verma, MLA Mahesh Parmar, Congress leader Pratap Garewal, State Women’s Congress President Reena Borasi, and City Congress President Chintu Choukse were taken into custody. They were removed from Bhagirathpura in a police vehicle. Officials inspect site, new pipeline work begins A medical team from AIIMS Bhopal reached Bhagirathpura to inspect the leakage site. Collector Shivam Verma visited the area with municipal corporation and district officials. To reassure residents, the Collector also drank water supplied by tankers. Excavation work has started for laying a new pipeline in the affected locality. Congress threatens statewide protest from January 11 Congress state president Jitu Patwari warned of a statewide agitation from January 11. He said protests would begin if Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya does not resign and FIRs are not registered against responsible officers and the mayor. Patwari criticised the Rs 2 Lakhs compensation announced per death. He said transferring four officers was insufficient and called it a betrayal of the public. Patwari targets government over accountability Speaking in Narmadapuram, Patwari said government officials once spent Rs 1.5 Lakhs on dry fruits in two hours, while the value of one life was fixed at only Rs 2 Lakhs. He also referred to earlier incidents, including deaths of children after consuming medicine and alleged negligence in hospitals. He said ministers must take responsibility for the Indore tragedy. Minister, Mayor review water supply measures Water Resources Minister Tulsiram Silawat held a meeting with Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava on Saturday. Collector Shivam Verma and senior municipal officials also attended. The meeting reviewed water supply issues across different areas of Indore. Responsibilities were divided among officials to speed up corrective action.