SRINAGAR: The Badhaal region in Jammu and Kashmir’s Budhal constituency is reeling under the shock of seven mysterious deaths in two separate incidents. With panic gripping the area, local MLA Choudhary Javed Iqbal has escalated the matter to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeking urgent investigation and relief for the affected families.
The first incident occurred last week when five members of a single family in Badhaal fell sick with severe vomiting after consuming a meal at their home. Tragically, all five succumbed.
Five persons who died were identified as Fazl Hussain, 38; Rabia Kousar, 15; Rukhsar Ahmad, 13; Irfana Kousar, 9; na dRaftar Ahmad, who was barely 4 years of age. They were all residents of JN Khawas (Budhaal).
Other family members, who are undergoing treatment at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu, remain in critical condition. They were identified as Shamima Akhter and Ishfaq.
A second similar incident, reported just five kilometres from the first, has further deepened concerns. Responding swiftly, Choudhary Javed met Chief Minister Omar Abdullah this afternoon, urging his personal intervention to expedite the investigation and provide ex Gratia relief to the grieving families. The Chief Minister assured immediate action.
The MLA has also approached Home Secretary Chandrakar Bharti, requesting close monitoring of the forensic examination of food samples collected from both sites. Stressing the incidents’ geographical spread, he highlighted the need for a comprehensive probe. The Home Secretary has assured the MLA of prioritizing the analysis.
Besides, Choudhary Javed has been in touch with Health Secretary Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, who has deployed medical teams to the affected areas and assured top-quality treatment for the victims. The MLA also visited the victims at GMC Jammu, where the Principal confirmed ongoing virology and toxicology tests in labs both within and outside the state.
Efforts are being closely coordinated with Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma to monitor the situation. Speaking about the crisis, Choudhary Javed expressed his commitment to ensuring that all necessary steps are taken to uncover the cause of these deaths and prevent further tragedies.
As forensic and medical investigations continue, the people of Badhaal are left waiting for answers to the tragic mystery that has struck their community. -(KL)
