Mysterious Illness in J&K Village Claims 16 Lives, Investigation Underway

An inter-ministerial team has been dispatched to Badhal village in Rajouri to determine the cause of the deaths and provide immediate relief.

Sixteen people, primarily from three interrelated families in Badhal village, have died since December 2024 from an unidentified illness.
Symptoms reported include fever, pain, nausea, loss of consciousness, and rapid deterioration leading to coma and death within days.
Authorities have ruled out bacterial or viral infections as the cause, with toxicological analysis revealing the presence of toxins in biological samples.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has ordered an inter-ministerial team, including health, agriculture, and forensic experts, to investigate and assist local authorities.
A special investigation team (SIT) has also been formed to examine potential non-medical causes, including speculation of property disputes or enmity.