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Mysterious deaths in Budhal : Omar chairs high level meeting as toll rises to 16, CM directs  expedite probe

Jammu : In response to the alarming situation in Budhal village of Rajouri district, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a high-level meeting to address the mysterious deaths that have claimed 16 lives. The latest victim succumbed to an unexplained illness, prompting urgent action from the administration.

The meeting, attended by key officials including Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, revealed extensive efforts to identify the cause. Health department teams have conducted comprehensive surveys, examining over 3,000 residents and testing various samples, yet all results, including tests for influenza and contaminants, have returned negative. Despite additional testing by premier institutions like ICMR, NIV, NCDC, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER Chandigarh, the cause remains elusive.

Police investigations have noted that the fatalities are concentrated within three families living within 1.5 kilometers of each other. The health department has maintained a constant presence in the area for 40 days, providing emergency services and medical support.

Chief Minister Abdullah emphasized the gravity of the situation, directing departments to accelerate their investigations. “The unexplained nature of these deaths is deeply concerning, and the government is committed to ensuring that the root cause is identified at the earliest,” he stated, expressing condolences to the bereaved families and reassuring the public of the administration’s dedication to resolving this crisis.