Jammu and Kashmir Health Minister Sakeena Masood said on Sunday that the investigation into the mysterious deaths of seven people in a remote village in Rajouri district is still ongoing, with no conclusions yet.
Masood visited the affected village in Kotranka Tehsil along with Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, local MLA Javed Ahmad Choudhary, and other officials to assess the situation.
The tragic incidents occurred in Badhaal village, where a man and his four children, as well as two siblings from another family, died on December 8 and 12. Initially, officials suspected food poisoning as the cause.
Masood expressed sorrow over the deaths and mentioned that 28 villagers were affected, but those receiving treatment in hospitals in Jammu and Rajouri are stable.
Ashutosh Gupta, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, stated that early investigations suggest a viral infection might be involved, but more research is needed to confirm this.
Minister Masood explained that health teams have been sent to the village to investigate. The deputy commissioner is coordinating efforts, and the situation is currently under control. She emphasized the importance of preventing further loss of life.
She noted that most lab reports are still pending, including forensic results which take over 48 hours, and some tests could take up to 20 days according to PGI Chandigarh experts.
Water tests in the village came back negative, but food sample results are still awaited.
Gupta mentioned that expert teams from the National Institute of Virology, Pune, PGI Chandigarh, and the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Delhi, are helping with the investigation. An AIIMS Delhi team will also join the probe.
Masood praised the health department for conducting medical check-ups in every household in the village. She assured residents that enough medicines and an ambulance are available to meet their needs. She also promised government support led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Additionally, she directed the procurement of an MRI machine for the village health center and considered upgrading it from a community health center to a public health center.
Regarding the shortage of doctors, Masood acknowledged it as a widespread issue in Jammu and Kashmir. She said the government is working to fill doctor and paramedic vacancies to better serve the people.
