Jammu: Meanwhile, an 11-member Special Investigation Team, headed by Budhal Superintendent of Police (Operations) Wajahat Hussain, has been formed to explore any possible criminal angle in these deaths. “Investigators are examining all food items and medicines consumed by the victim families of Fazal, Mohammad Rafiq, and Mohammad Aslam.”
The SIT has started its probe, examining the circumstances in the village, reviewing medical purchases from local chemists, and questioning residents.
The first incident was reported on December 7 last year when a family of seven fell ill after a community meal, resulting in five deaths. On December 12, a family of nine was affected, with three deaths.
The third incident occurred on January 12, involving a family of ten, with six children hospitalised.
On Wednesday night, Zabeena Kouser, 10, another child of Mohammad Aslam, died at SMGS Hospital, while her 15-year-old sister Yasmeen remains critical, officials said.
The authorities have maintained that the incidents are not linked to any communicable disease. “Toxicological analysis by CSIR-IITR detected toxins in multiple biological specimens,” said an official.
Earlier Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Friday had chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the alarming situation in Budhal village.
The Chief Minister had directed the Health and Police departments to expedite their investigations. “The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning, and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest. I urge all departments to collaborate and leave no stone unturned in resolving this issue,” he stated.
Expressing his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the Chief Minister reassured the public that the administration is treating the situation with the highest priority—(KNO)
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