Synopsis
Authorities have declared Budhaal village in Rajouri district a containment zone following 17 mysterious deaths, including 11 children. Health measures are in place as investigations continue into the cause of these fatalities.Key Takeaways
- 17 mysterious deaths reported in Budhaal village.
- Containment zone declared under Section 163 of BNSS.
- Public gatherings prohibited to ensure safety.
- Health officials monitoring distribution of meals.
- Investigation ongoing to determine cause of illness.
Jammu, Jan 22 (NationPress) Authorities were unable to determine the cause behind the 17 enigmatic fatalities in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district, leading to the declaration of Budhaal village as a containment zone under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) on Wednesday.
The District Magistrate of Rajouri has identified Badhaal as a containment zone in response to mounting health concerns in the region. In accordance with Section 163 of the BNSS Act (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC), stringent measures have been initiated to safeguard public health and curb any potential threats.
As part of the containment strategy, the residences of affected families have been sealed off. The entire locality has been partitioned into three zones for more effective management. All public and private gatherings have been banned.
To prioritize the residents' health, designated officers and officials have been appointed to oversee the preparation and delivery of meals to families within the containment zones.
The administration has promised residents that more details and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.
Since December 8, 2024, at least 17 locals, including 11 children, have tragically lost their lives in Budhaal village of the Kotranka sub-division in Rajouri district, with the most recent death occurring on January 17.
Locals claim that the fatalities are due to a mysterious illness. Samples tested at various leading laboratories across the nation have shown negative results for viral or bacterial infections, although some toxins have been detected in samples taken from the victims.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the village on Tuesday and assured the community that the underlying cause of the deaths would be identified soon. He also expressed his condolences to the bereaved families.
The health department has examined 3,500 locals, including residents from Budhaal and neighboring villages. These results also failed to confirm any viral or bacterial infection. An inter-ministerial team formed under the directives of Union Home Minister Amit Shah is currently in the village to determine the precise cause of this mysterious illness.
