SIT fails to make headway in Badhaal deaths
Leave of docs, paramedical staff cancelled
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Jan 24: While nine more patients hailing from Badhaal area of Kotranka Sub Division in Rajouri district, where 17 deaths took place due to ‘mysterious illness’ recently, have been admitted to GMC Rajouri today, the condition of minor girl undergoing treatment in SMGS Hospital Jammu and the youth in PGI Chandigarh has improved.
Official sources said that Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the UT Government to uncover the mystery failed to make any headway during last ten days. The team is reported to have picked up more than 100 people so far as a part of its investigation.
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A senior doctor in GMC Jammu said that 16-year-old Nazia Kouser, who was on ventilator support has improved and shifted to isolation ward while the condition of her two sisters- Khalida Begum and Tazeem Akhtar was also stable. The condition of Ajaz Ahmed (24), who was in PGI Chandigarh has also shown signs of improvement, his close relative said.
Principal GMC Rajouri, Dr A.S Bhatia, disclosed that nine more patients were shifted to GMC Rajouri and they have been kept in the isolation ward under observation. He said two patients- Saima and Shabnam were in the ICU but not on ventilators. He claimed that all the patients are stable and receiving the necessary medical attention.
The GMC Principal further disclosed that out of the 11 patients, 10 belong to the family that recently suffered a tragic loss, while one individual is not related to them. In addition to these patients, 50 close contacts of Fazal and other family members have been placed in the isolation ward under strict observation by a dedicated team of doctors. This precautionary measure has been taken to ensure early detection of any symptoms and to provide timely treatment if required, he added.
Dr Bhatia highlighted that reports from various laboratories across the country have ruled out the presence of any virus or bacteria as the cause of concern. The individuals from Badhaal are being observed primarily as a preventive measure to monitor their health and ensure swift medical intervention if any complications arise.
He said two patients, Shabnum Kouser (31), daughter of Mohd Jamil and Saima Kosser-11 yrs, daughter of Mohd Aslam-II, are currently admitted to the ICU. Both are stable and under constant medical supervision.
The remaining nine patients, who are in the isolation ward, include- Shakeela Begum, wife of Mohd Shakoor, aged 30 years; Mohd Ehsan, son of Mohd Shakoor, aged 5 years; Mohd Asif, son of Mohd Shakoor, aged 16 years; Afsana Kosser, daughter of Mohd Shakoor, aged 12 years; Mohd Shoaib, son of Mohd Shakoor, aged 9 years; Nazam Din, son of Mubarak Hussain, aged 32 years; Aiza Kouser, daughter of Mohd Shakoor, aged 3 years; Mohd Shahid, son of Mohd Shakoor, aged 6 years; and Farzana Kouser, daughter of Mohd Shakoor, aged 10 years.
He further disclosed that one more patient, a minor girl was shifted from Kandi hospital this evening. But that is different case, having no such ailments having those from Badhaal families.
Dr Bhatia reiterated that the medical team at GMC Rajouri is working tirelessly to monitor the health of all admitted individuals.
Meanwhile, Kabir Ahmed, an attendant of Ajaz Ahmed in PGI Chandigarh told that Ajaz is now stable and not on ventilator support.
Reports said that SIT led by SP Operations, Rajouri, Wajahat Hussain was still unable to make any headway into the case, involving mysterious death of 17 persons of three families at Badhaal village in Kotranka Sub Division. It said more than 100 persons have been picked up by the team, for investigation.
The Central team which was deputed by the Union Home Minister has returned and was working on the case. The team stayed for couple of days in the area and collected more than 200 samples of the food and other items.
A senior official said that District Administration Rajouri has cancelled the leave of doctors and para-medical staff in Rajouri district in view of the health crisis in the area. The teams under the supervision of CMO Rajouri Dr M L Rana are conducting regular screening of the patients on daily basis, he added.
Meanwhile, MLAs of Budhal, Thannamandi and Rajouri-Javid Iqbal Choudhary, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, and Iftikhar Ahmed, in a joint statement expressed deep concern over the recent tragedy in Budhal, where 17 lives were lost. The leaders unanimously highlighted the critical issues stemming from administrative lapses, staff shortages, and the dual power system, which they claim have left the people of Rajouri and Poonch districts vulnerable.
They criticized the lack of a centralized administrative system, pointing out that the “dual power system” has resulted in inefficiency and delays. “People are suffering due to the passing of responsibility between officers, with no clear accountability. If an air ambulance had been provided in time, many innocent lives could have been saved.” Despite a 62% shortage of staff in GMC Rajouri, they commended the hospital staff for their exemplary work during the crisis.
Muzaffar Khan raised concerns about the acute shortage of medical staff, not only in GMC Rajouri but also in other hospitals across the district. He stated, “Even MBBS doctors are unavailable in many health facilities, and with 38% of GMC Rajouri staff expected to cater to two districts, the system is overstretched.”
He questioned the delay in providing air ambulance services and called for strict exemplary action against the officers responsible for the lapses. He warned that if these issues are not addressed, the representatives are prepared to stage protests.
The MLAs jointly appealed for an overhaul of the dual power system, a comprehensive review of the healthcare infrastructure, and immediate measures to ensure accountability. They stressed that the lives of the people in Rajouri and Poonch should not be treated as secondary and demanded equal attention and resources for the region.