Fatalities show nervous system damage: Principal GMC Rajouri; Badhaal village declared containment zone; inter-ministerial team investigates for third day
Jammu Tawi, Jan 22: The situation in the Budhaal area of Rajouri district has taken a worrisome turn, with four more persons, including three siblings, falling ill in the past 24 hours. This comes amidst an ongoing investigation into mysterious deaths that have claimed 17 lives over the last 50 days.
An official told that the latest case involving a 25-year-old youth, Aijaz, who was attending patients at GMC Jammu, has intensified concerns. Aijaz was airlifted to PGI Chandigarh during the night, where his condition is reported to be stable.
Three siblings from the family of Bagga Khan also fell ill and were shifted to GMC Rajouri before being airlifted to PGI Chandigarh for further treatment.
MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary said the situation is of serious concern and that the government is making all-out efforts to manage the crisis. “The seriousness of the government is evident, as Aijaz was airlifted to Chandigarh, and arrangements are underway to shift other patients as well,” he said.
Principal, GMC Rajouri, Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia said all fatalities exhibited brain involvement and nervous system damage. “Among nine admitted patients, five have recovered, but recovery becomes challenging once the brain is affected,” Dr Singh said, adding that preventive measures and public awareness campaigns are being prioritised to curb further risks.
The inter-ministerial team, constituted by Union Home Minister Amit Shah and led by a director-level officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, continued its investigation for the third consecutive day. Experts from the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, Chemicals, and Water Resources, as well as forensic departments from Chandigarh and Lucknow, are actively involved.
The District Magistrate of Rajouri has declared BUdhaal as a containment zone. He has issued orders to prohibit all public and private gatherings.
The affected families have been categorised into three containment zones to ensure continuous monitoring and prevent further spread:
Containment Zone 1: Homes of families where deaths have occurred will be sealed, with no entry allowed unless authorised.
Containment Zone 2: Close contacts of affected persons will be shifted to GMC Rajouri for health monitoring.
Containment Zone 3: All households in Badhaal village, with staff deployed to monitor food consumption.
Designated officials have been tasked with overseeing food distribution to families in containment zones. Logbooks will document every instance of food consumption, with police personnel monitoring compliance.
An epidemiologist at GMC Jammu said that no indications of a virus or infection have been found so far. “However, traces of toxins have been detected and are being analysed at a broader level. The source and nature of the toxins are still under investigation,” he said.
He said authorities are conducting preventive CT scans, educating the public on hygiene practices and advising them to consume only government-provided food. “Locals have been urged to cooperate with the measures to ensure safety and help in identifying the root cause of the deaths,” he said.
DM orders shifting of close families to Nursing College Rajouri
Jahangir Ganaie
Jammu Tawi, Jan 23: After four more people from Budhal were hospitalized due to a mysterious illness, the government on late Wednesday evening shifted several families who were in close contact with the deceased or sick persons to an isolation centre.
An official told that around 40 persons were moved to the isolation centre set up at Government Nursing College Rajouri.
He said that the authorities have made the arrangements to accommodate 100 persons in the centre.
As per an order issued by District Magistrate Rajouri, a comprehensive surveillance plan has been implemented with different departments directed to make arrangements for people in the centre.
The order reads: “SSP Rajouri will ensure necessary security arrangements at Govt Nursing College Rajouri and also deploy police personnel for monitoring and keeping strict restrictions on unauthorized entry/exit movements.”
“Principal GMC Rajouri has been tasked to ensure camping of a Team of Doctors (24 x 7) at the Govt Nursing College Rajouri, CEO Rajouri will arrange 100 single bedded mattress and 100 beds and Deputy District Election Officer will ensure installation of CCTV cameras over the kitchen and ensure its proper functioning and Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Rajouri will provide tooth brushes, paste, soap and hair oil as per requirement,” the order reads.
It reads: “The CMO Rajouri will ensure that a medical team of officials and an ambulance are stationed at Nursing College immediately. He will also keep necessary medicines available. He will ensure that the medicines, if any being taken by any person is checked properly and replaced with quality medicines if required.”
The order reads: “Executive Engineer JKPDCL will ensure that electricity supply is maintained properly and all switches and light/socket points are functional in the Govt. Nursing College. Executive engineer Jal Shakti Rajouri has been directed to make all necessary arrangements for drinking water, water for washroom usage and other allied activities, accounts officer DC office Rajouri and Assistant Director food have been directed to make arrangements of Mattresses (300), Pillows (300), Bedsheets (300) and Blankets (1000), will ensure availability of cooked food for the shifted families in Nursing College Rajouri and Baby food (Cerelac etc) and Milk as per requirement on a daily basis. Executive Officer MC Rajouri will arrange 100 single bedded mattresses and 50 beds for the families, ensure daily cleanliness and function of toilets including installation of Mobile toilets as per requirement and will also provide dustbins at both floors.”
“Assistant Commissioner food safety Rajouri has been directed to ensure proper testing of food and water before serving while Principal Govt HSS Rajouri and other officers have been directed to be stationed at the centre and keep record of all items,” the order reads.
Pertinently, 17 people have lost their lives while many are ill in Budhal area of Rajouri district due to mysterious illness
