Containment zone restrictions continue amid intensified probe

Rajouri, Jan 27: Containment zone restrictions in Badhaal village continued on the sixth day on Monday amid intensified probe to ascertain the cause behind mysterious deaths.

Officials said that only permitted movement was allowed in containment zones.

House-to-house surveillance by teams of doctors also continued as the officials strived to unravel the mystery behind the deaths.

According to officials, a thorough investigation was being conducted by both the Police and medical experts, with premier institutes across the country also contributing to the probe.

These institutes include Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) and National Institutes of Toxicology (NIT).

Official sources said, “Although the investigation is yet to reach a conclusive stage, suspicions have been raised about a set of neurotoxic poisons, commonly used in insecticides and pesticides, potentially being the cause of the deaths.”

“Reports suggested that a particular set of neurotoxins viz., Organophosphorus and Carbamate could have caused deaths but these are some findings of initial probe as some conclusive result is yet to be reached,” said official sources.

They claimed that top medical experts as well as experts of toxicology and forensic laboratories were working to reach a conclusion of the ongoing probe.

“The ongoing probe has not ruled out any possibilities, and officials are working tirelessly to piece together the evidence,” they said.

“The continued containment zone restrictions and house-to-house surveillance are part of the efforts to prevent any further casualties and ensure public safety,” they said.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with the authorities to help determine the cause of the deaths.

Pertinent to mention that around 353 people from Badhaal village have been shifted from their houses and kept in three different isolation facilities established in Rajouri town. The step has been taken to ensure that these people do not consume anything in their houses which is poisonous in nature.

Badhaal village witnessed 17 deaths in the last 7 weeks.

On being contacted, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kotranka, Dil Mir said that the village was continuously under containment zone restrictions.

“The families of sub containment zone 1 and sub containment zone 2 have been shifted to separation facilities whereas the families from sub containment zone 3 are living in their houses but under strict surveillance,” he said.

ADC added, “We are providing water to these families, dry ration and medical facilities. Dedicated teams of doctors are conducting house to house surveillance in order to ensure around the clock medical checkup of people besides timely examination of any ill patient.”