Two more deaths reported in Indore’s Bhagirathpura:Death toll reaches 35 as families allege contaminated water

Two more deaths were reported in the last 24 hours in Bhagirathpura, allegedly linked to contaminated drinking water. A two-year-old girl and a 75-year-old man died during treatment, taking the total death toll in the locality to 35, as claimed by residents. The health department and district administration, however, have not officially confirmed that the latest deaths were caused by contaminated water. Two-year-old girl dies during treatment Two-year-old Riya, daughter of Suraj Prajapati and a resident of Bhagirathpura, died at around 4:30 am on Tuesday. According to her father, she first developed symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea on December 27. She was initially treated at a private clinic and her condition appeared to improve, but later deteriorated. Around 15 days ago, she was admitted to Chacha Nehru Children’s Hospital, where doctors reportedly detected liver complications. She was later shifted to a Super Speciality Hospital for advanced treatment. After battling the illness for nearly five days there, she succumbed. The family has alleged that her health began deteriorating due to contaminated water and that the infection eventually affected her liver. 75-year-old man succumbs after hospitalisation In another case, 75-year-old Shaligram Thakur was admitted to a private hospital on January 1 after complaining of diarrhoea and vomiting. “He remained hospitalised for about a week before being shifted to another private hospital by the administration. He was admitted due to diarrhea and vomiting and his conditions deteriorated by the same,” the family members alleged. He was on ventilator support and had reportedly been prepared for discharge about a week ago. However, his condition worsened and he died during treatment.
Meanwhile, Rahul Parashar, General Manager of Bombay Hospital, claimed that Shaligram was admitted to due cardiac issues and was discharged a few days ago. Officials have not yet confirmed whether his death was directly linked to contaminated water. Official toll vs residents’ claims Earlier, the government had acknowledged 21 deaths in the Bhagirathpura incident. However, residents and petitioners have consistently claimed that the actual number is significantly higher. With the two latest deaths, locals say the toll has reached 35. High Court orders inquiry commission Following directions of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, an inquiry commission has been constituted under the chairmanship of retired Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta to investigate the drinking water contamination and its impact on public health. The commission will examine the causes of contamination, administrative negligence, responsibility of officials, possible action against those found guilty, the number of deaths, medical consequences, and measures required to prevent recurrence.