January 21, 2025: A small, remote village in Jammu & Kashmir’s Rajouri district has been gripped by fear and mourning after a mysterious illness claimed 17 lives. The first deaths in Badhal village were reported on December 7, 2024, when five people died under unexplained circumstances. Since then, the toll has risen steadily, leaving the community devastated and authorities scrambling for answers.
Among the hardest-hit is the family of Mohammad Aslam, who has lost eight members, including his parents and six children. The latest victim, a young girl named Yasmeen, passed away on Sunday evening at SMGS Hospital in Jammu after battling for her life on ventilator support for several days.
The tragedy has prompted swift action from the government. An 11-member Inter-Ministerial team, constituted by the Ministry of Home Affairs, arrived in Rajouri on January 19 to investigate the deaths. The team has already visited the affected village and held discussions with local officials. In parallel, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) formed by the Jammu & Kashmir police is probing potential criminal conspiracy angles, examining evidence, and questioning suspects.
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, while addressing the media in Jammu, stated that both central and state authorities are working tirelessly to uncover the reasons behind the deaths. He expressed confidence that the ongoing investigations would soon provide clarity. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary also visited Badhal, meeting with affected families and assuring them of government support. Choudhary pledged to leave no stone unturned in addressing the crisis and promised stern action if any foul play is detected.
As part of the response, a local water spring known as ‘Bawli’ has been sealed after water samples tested positive for pesticides and insecticides. Authorities fear the contaminated water may have contributed to the outbreak, prompting the immediate closure of the spring. Experts have warned villagers against using the water while investigations continue.
Medical specialists from prominent institutions, including AIIMS Delhi, PGI Chandigarh, and the Indian Institute of Virology in Pune, have also been deployed to the area. Preliminary findings suggest that neurotoxins, rather than viral or bacterial infections, may be responsible for the fatalities. These toxic substances, which disrupt the central and peripheral nervous systems, are believed to have been ingested, possibly through contaminated water.
The symptoms observed in victims—fever and excessive sweating—align with the effects of neurotoxins. Experts have highlighted the dangers posed by chemicals such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other substances often present in the environment. While investigations are ongoing, the findings have raised concerns about the long-term safety and health risks faced by rural communities.
The tragedy in Badhal has left the village in shock, grappling with grief and uncertainty. As authorities and medical experts work to identify the cause of the outbreak and prevent further deaths, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by isolated communities in times of crisis.