In a shocking incident unfolding in Rajamundry city of Andhra Pradesh, four people have lost their lives over the past two days due to consuming adulterated milk. Several others are fighting for their lives in hospitals, all admitted with acute anuria – a complete cessation of urine production.
The tragedy struck residents of Lala Cheruvu and Choudeshwari Nagar areas in East Godavari district. On Sunday night, two elderly patients, S. Sesha Giri Rao (72) and Radha Krishnamurthy (74), succumbed to their conditions while under treatment. Three more individuals remain in critical condition, adding to the earlier two fatalities.
Local health authorities report that since February 15, at least 14 people have been hospitalized with anuria symptoms. Victims span generations, including a three-year-old child and a five-month-old infant, though most are senior citizens. A chilling commonality emerges: all affected families sourced their milk from the same vendor.
Families lodged complaints with police, noting the bitter taste of milk and curd supplied on Mahashivratri (February 15). Authorities have detained the vendor, Ganesh, for questioning. District Collector Kriti Chekur emphasized that post-mortem reports will confirm the exact cause, while special medical teams accelerate investigations.
Health Commissioner G. Veerapandian confirmed the department’s high alert status, with samples of milk, water, and other items collected from affected zones. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu convened a high-level meeting on Monday, directing officials to ensure top-notch care for victims and rigorous testing.
Revelations from the meeting indicate the vendor supplied milk to 106 households, with samples gathered from 75 families already en route to labs. Medical and rapid testing camps dot the area. The CM ordered stringent action against the vendor pending lab results and dispatched senior food safety and health officials to Rajamundry.
This incident underscores the dire risks of food adulteration, prompting urgent calls for stricter vendor oversight and public vigilance. As investigations continue, the community mourns while bracing for potential further revelations from toxicology reports.