In a tragic escalation of the public health crisis gripping Indore’s Bhaagirthpura area, two more lives have been lost to suspected contaminated water, pushing the death toll to a staggering 35. The latest victims include 75-year-old Shaligram Thakur, who succumbed on Monday night, and two-year-old Riya Prajapati, who passed away Tuesday morning.
Shaligram’s daughter, Mona Thakur, recounted the harrowing ordeal. Her father was admitted to Shelby Hospital on January 2 after severe vomiting and diarrhea. He was later transferred to Bombay Hospital and discharged just days ago. Despite a stroke 18 years prior, Shaligram had no other major health issues, according to Mona. However, Bombay Hospital’s General Manager Rahul Parashar noted that the patient also suffered from cardiac problems.
Little Riya’s story is equally heartbreaking. The toddler was rushed to Chacha Nehru Hospital two weeks ago with similar symptoms and fought bravely before her untimely death.
Opposition Congress leader and Madhya Pradesh President Jitu Patwari has pointed fingers at the administration, blaming contaminated drinking water for the fatalities. In a poignant post on X, he mourned, ‘At least 35 people in Indore have died due to contaminated water. With deep sorrow, I share that two-year-old daughter Riya and 75-year-old Shaligram Thakur are no longer with us.’
The state administration remains silent on these latest deaths, offering no official statement. Meanwhile, the Madhya Pradesh High Court has stepped in decisively, appointing a single-member judicial commission to probe the water contamination incident and its impact on public health. The court has invited affected individuals and stakeholders to submit comments and evidence.
This crisis underscores the urgent need for robust water quality monitoring and swift governmental action to prevent further tragedies in Bhaagirthpura and beyond. As the investigation unfolds, families grieve, and the community demands accountability.