Death toll in Indore water contamination case rises to 32:Woman ill for a month dies after prolonged ventilator support

Another death was reported on Sunday night in the contaminated water incident in Bhagirathpura, taking the toll to 32. Anita Kushwah (65), who had been undergoing treatment for over a month, died at Bombay Hospital, where she had been on ventilator support for an extended period. According to her son, Nilesh, she had no prior medical conditions. She was first admitted to Bhagyashree Hospital on December 28 after suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea. Although she was discharged two days later, her condition worsened within hours of returning home. She was readmitted to Aurobindo Hospital on January 1 and later shifted to Bombay Hospital on January 4 as her condition deteriorated. Doctors said her kidneys failed during treatment, requiring continuous haemodialysis. She was later placed on ventilator support and suffered a cardiac arrest during treatment. Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO) Dr. Madhav Hasani said she was provided treatment at a higher medical facility with government support, but could not be saved. Her husband is a retired mill worker, and she is survived by one son and two daughters. Her last rites will be performed on Monday. So far, 32 deaths have been recorded in the Bhagirathpura contaminated water incident. Health officials said more than 450 patients have recovered and been discharged, while three patients remain hospitalised, two of whom are in intensive care. Their condition is stated to be critical. Meanwhile, primary health centres in the area continue to operate round the clock. Though patients are still reporting with symptoms, the number of diarrhoea cases has declined sharply, with one or two patients visiting daily. Most do not require hospital admission. Two ambulances remain deployed in the area. Civic officials said water supply has resumed on alternate days in about 30% of the locality. Although authorities claim the water is now safe, residents continue to rely on RO and tanker water. Repair work on the main pipeline covering the remaining 70% area is in its final stage, after which leakage tests and water sample collection will be carried out.