Another woman hospitalized, girl ‘critical’
*Central team still camping at Koteranka
Gopal Sharma
JAMMU, Jan 16: While the condition of 6th child of Mohd Aslam hailing from Badhaal village in Kotranka Sub Division where massive ‘health crisis’ has erupted, was stated to be `critical’ at GMC Jammu, another woman from this village was referred to GMC Rajouri from Kandi hospital this evening, whereas, District Administration Rajouri sealed the houses of these three affected families as a part of investigation by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of J&K Police.
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Official sources said that 60-year-old Jatti Begum, wife of Mohd Yousuf, resident of Badhaal was removed to GMC Rajouri this evening from CHC Kandi after her condition deteriorated. Her husband – Mohd Yousuf was also died three days ago in GMC Rajouri due to this `mysterious disease’.
Medical Superintendent of SMGS hospital, an associated hospital of GMC Jammu, Dr Dara Singh said that condition of sixth child- Yasmeen Kouser (15), daughter of Mohd Aslam was critical since this evening. She has been kept on ventilator and a team of senior doctors was monitoring her condition.
As a part of investigation by the SIT constituted by SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar, the District Administration Rajouri sealed all the three houses of the affected families at Badhaal village. A team led by Additional DC, Koteranka Dil Mir and Tehsildar Sahil Ali Shah along with a police team sealed these houses and deployed some force there.
About 22 members/close relatives of these families have been kept at a Government accommodation and they are being provided food/ eatables under the supervision of a team constituted by the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma. District Officer of ICDS Rajouri is heading this team. The investigation team will check all the food items and other medicines etc being consumed by family members of Fazal, Mohd Rafiq and Mohd Aslam kept in their houses. Some items will be sent for testing in the Labs.
The SIT led by SP Ops, Wajahat Hussain today visited many Medical/ Chemist shops near Badhaal village and Kotranka from where these people had purchased medicines after illness. Some medical professionals also accompanied the team. The samples collected will also be sent for testing. The team also had cross questioning with members of the affected families. It has been learnt that some mischief over some old enemity over land or other domestic issue can not be ruled out in the instant case. The police was working on all the angles.
DC Rajouri, who is closely monitoring the situation, said that Central team was still camping at the site. They have collected many samples and are working with the other local teams already stationed there. He disclosed that as a part of investigation and taking every possible care of the survivors among these families and precautions, their houses have been sealed and they are being provided food and everything under the supervision and observation of the Govt team headed by SWD and CAPD officials.
SSP Rajouri, Gaurav Sikarwar said the SIT headed by an officer of the SP rank has already started its work. The team was in the area and it has been tasked to complete its work within minimum possible time. He said it will be premature to say anything on the issue at this point of time.
“The SIT is working on all the angles. I am closely monitoring. The Medical teams are also doing their job. We are hopeful something will come out shortly,” the SP added.
He said the team will utilize the expertise of professionals from the food safety, Agriculture and Jal Shakti departments, as well as the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Jammu.
“The team will make all sincere efforts to take inquest proceedings to its logical conclusion at an earliest,” the SSP Rajouri said.
Principal of GMC Rajouri, Dr A S Bhatia said the woman referred from CHC Kandi this evening is being provided every possible medical assistance by the team of doctors at GMC. He said the condition of the woman was stable.
Meanwhile, with the death of Zabeena Kouser-10 yrs, in the SMGS Hospital, late last evening, the death toll due to mysterious disease in Badhaal village of Kotranka Sub Division in Rajouri, has reached up to 15. There was fear among the people of the area over these mysterious deaths.
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