Over 200 people shifted to quarantine centres in Rajouri
MLA Budhal says dual power system hindering proper response to crisis
Srinagar, Jan 23: The situation in the Badhaal area of Rajouri district continues to be grim following 17 deaths due to unknown causes. The government has yet to determine the reason behind these fatalities, which has led to widespread fear and anxiety among local residents. Officials are currently investigating various factors that could be contributing to this troubling phenomenon, while the people remain on high alert.
A government official said the situation remains under control. However, the mystery surrounding the deaths has left citizens feeling vulnerable. “We are conducting investigations at various levels to ascertain the causes of the deaths,” the official said.
There are growing concerns among residents that toxins may be contaminating their food and water supply.
Over 200 individuals who came into contact with the affected families have been relocated to a quarantine centre set up in the building of a nursing college and GMC hospital in Rajouri, an official said.
A new quarantine centre was set up in nursing college on Wednesday. As a precautionary measure, these relocated individuals include close relatives of the deceased. Several individuals who had contact with the affected families, from those who took children to the hospital to those who participated in burials, have also been identified. These individuals have been moved away from the village as a precaution to break the chain, officials said.
Principal of GMC Rajouri, Dr Amarjeet Singh Bhatia said, “This is a fight against an invisible enemy, which is why various steps are being implemented to manage the situation. People should not panic.” He said the decision to relocate residents to the medical college is not a quarantine measure but rather a precaution to ensure prompt medical attention if symptoms arise.
Dr Bhatia reassured the public that healthcare workers have remained vigilant in the area for over 50 days without any team members falling ill. “I even visited the area without a mask and did not contract any illness,” he said, adding that so far, there is no concrete evidence linking the deaths to a viral outbreak.
Even with reassurances, MLA Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, addressed a press conference where he expressed concern over the Central and J&K governments’ handling of the crisis. He said the Omar Abdullah-led government is taking the situation seriously, but added that the public should remain cooperative and patient during this challenging time. “All steps taken thus far are for the safety of the residents, and even the government is ensuring our cattle receive necessary fodder and water on time,” he said.
Despite the actions being taken, Choudhary said that traces of toxins have been detected in some water samples. “One person named Aijaz received an antidote at GMC Rajouri and later at PGI Chandigarh. Thankfully, he is responding well to the treatment,” the MLA said. He added that three siblings who showed severe symptoms were airlifted to GMC Jammu for further evaluation; however, complications arose in arranging an air ambulance to transfer them to PGI Chandigarh.
Choudhary said systemic failures are a significant barrier to effective action, asserting that the “dual power system” in Jammu and Kashmir hampers timely decision-making and action. “There is no singular authority, and we need to have a direct line of communication between J&K and Central government to address emergencies like this more efficiently,” he claimed.
“Home Minister had sent the team here which took samples, but the samples are still here as they are being sent by vehicle which will take time,” he said. “Air ambulance should have been here to take them to the respective institute for immediate analysis so as to ascertain the reasons of deaths but that isn’t happening due to dual power system.”
He added, “I myself contacted Dr Jitendra Singh, LG, CM for air ambulance but failed that is why people need to wake up and fight to end this dual power system.”
Critically, Choudhary accused the Principal, GMC Jammu of causing unnecessary delays in referring the ill siblings to PGI Chandigarh, saying that personal conflicts and “ego clashes” are endangering lives. “If anything happens to these children, the Principal should be held accountable,” he said.
The MLA said the situation warrants the declaration of a national emergency. “We must all work collaboratively—this is not the time for politics,” he said, adding that playing partisan games could detract from essential public health responses.
Principal, GMC Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta said the hospital was informed at 6:30 pm on Wednesday about airlifting three children exhibiting symptoms of the mysterious illness from GMC Rajouri to GMC Jammu.
“To facilitate their care, GMC Jammu contacted PGIMER Chandigarh to confirm bed availability. Despite repeated requests to the Director and HoD of PGIMER Chandigarh, the administration at PGIMER conveyed their inability to accept the patients due to a lack of available beds,” he said.
Dr Gupta said that, in response, GMC Jammu immediately dispatched critical care ambulances to the technical airport in Jammu for potential road transport to Chandigarh. However, considering the urgency of the children’s condition, they were transferred to SMGS Hospital, Jammu, where senior pediatric consultants, including the HoD Pediatrics, received them, he said.
“One child’s condition deteriorated rapidly upon arrival, requiring immediate ventilator support and advanced ICU interventions. Timely and high-end interventions at SMGS Hospital prevented adverse outcomes that could have occurred during transit to Chandigarh,” he added.
Dr Gupta said the GMC Jammu medical team is in constant touch with their counterparts at PGIMER Chandigarh. Experts from ICMR and NCDC Delhi are also providing regular updates and guidance on patient management.
He also acknowledged the efforts of MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary for arranging midnight airlifting and for standing by the public of Bhudhal during this critical time.
Dr Gupta praised the dedication of the GMC Jammu medical fraternity, including faculty, paramedics and administrative staff, who he said are working tirelessly to save lives. “We will leave no stone unturned to support the people of Bhudhal and ensure the best possible medical care during these extraordinary times,” he said.
