Seven Die in Indore After Alleged Drinking Water Contamination, Civic Officials Suspended as Probe Continues

Indore | December 31, 2025 At least seven people have lost their lives and more than 100 others have been hospitalised in Madhya Pradesh’s Indore after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water in the city’s Bhagirathpura area. The incident, which unfolded over the past few days, has triggered health concerns, administrative action, and sharp political reactions, even as laboratory test reports of the water samples are still awaited. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed the deaths on Wednesday, stating that three fatalities have been officially verified while information about four more deaths has also been received. He said that preliminary observations suggest drainage water may have mixed with the drinking water supply, leading to contamination. The mayor accepted responsibility for the incident and assured strict action against officials found negligent, including senior officers if required. In response, the Madhya Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, has taken immediate administrative action. A zonal officer of the municipal corporation and an assistant engineer posted in Bhagirathpura have been suspended with immediate effect, while the services of an in-charge sub-engineer have been terminated. The Chief Minister expressed condolences to the bereaved families and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for each affected family. The state government has also committed to covering all medical expenses of those undergoing treatment. Health officials identified some of the deceased as Nandlal Pal (70), Urmila Yadav (60), and Tara Kori (65), all of whom reportedly died after suffering from severe diarrhoea. According to the health department, symptoms among patients included vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration. A large-scale health survey was conducted in the affected area, covering 2,703 households and around 12,000 residents. Of these, 1,146 people were given primary treatment for mild symptoms, while 111 patients with serious conditions were admitted to hospitals. Eighteen patients have since been discharged. Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Madhav Prasad Hasani said multiple medical teams and ambulances have been deployed in Bhagirathpura to manage the situation. To handle the sudden surge in patients, the city administration arranged 100 additional beds at Aurobindo Hospital. Authorities have collected water samples from the area for laboratory testing, though initial assessments point towards possible mixing of sewage or drainage water with the drinking water supply. Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav stated that a leakage was detected in the main water supply pipeline in Bhagirathpura. He said a toilet had been constructed over the pipeline, which is being investigated as a potential cause of contamination. Local councillor Kamal Baghela added that residents had complained about foul-smelling water supplied on December 25, but the issue escalated only after people started falling ill. Residents and family members of victims described a sudden onset of symptoms. Siddharth, son of Nandlal Pal, said his father was hospitalised on December 28 after drinking water that caused vomiting and diarrhoea, and he died two days later. Similar accounts were shared by other families, including Jitendra Prajapat, whose sister Seema Prajapat (50) died on the way to the hospital after falling seriously ill. Several residents also reported that the water tasted bitter and smelled unusual in the days before the outbreak. Some suspected excessive chemicals in the water, while others feared sewage contamination. Two more residents, Manjula Digambar Vadhe (74) and Uma Kori (29), also reportedly died after suffering from diarrhoea, according to their families. The incident has sparked political controversy, with the Congress party demanding that a case of culpable homicide be registered against the mayor and the municipal commissioner. Congress leaders criticised the state government, alleging that repeated complaints from residents were ignored. State Congress president Jitu Patwari questioned the official explanation and called for a deeper investigation, suggesting that a toxic substance may have entered the water supply. The BJP, however, rejected these allegations, with state spokesperson Alok Dubey accusing the opposition of politicising a sensitive public health issue. Meanwhile, municipal and health authorities continue to monitor the situation closely and await laboratory results to confirm the exact cause of contamination. As investigations continue, the focus remains on preventing further illnesses, ensuring clean water supply, and holding those responsible accountable. Seven Die in Indore After Alleged Drinking Water Contamination, Civic Officials Suspended as Probe Continues At least seven people have died and over 100 others have been hospitalised in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after allegedly consuming contaminated drinking water, triggering serious health concerns and swift administrative action. The incident unfolded over the past few days, with residents reporting symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration after using water supplied to their homes. Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said three deaths have been officially confirmed, while information about four more fatalities has also been received. He stated that early observations suggest drainage water may have mixed with the drinking water supply, leading to contamination. Accepting responsibility, the mayor assured strict action against officials found negligent. The Madhya Pradesh government has suspended a zonal officer and an assistant engineer of the municipal body, while the services of an in-charge sub-engineer have been terminated. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed condolences to the affected families and announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh for each bereaved family. The state will also bear the medical expenses of those undergoing treatment. Health authorities identified some of the deceased, including elderly residents who reportedly died due to severe diarrhoea. A large health survey was carried out in the area, covering over 2,700 households and around 12,000 people. More than 1,100 residents were given primary treatment, while 111 patients with serious symptoms were admitted to hospitals. To manage the situation, 100 additional beds were arranged at Aurobindo Hospital, and medical teams and ambulances were deployed. Municipal officials detected a leakage in the main water pipeline, possibly caused by a toilet built over it. Residents had earlier complained about foul-smelling and bitter-tasting water, but action was allegedly delayed. Water samples have been sent for laboratory testing, and results are awaited. The incident has also sparked political reactions, with the Congress demanding accountability and a thorough probe. Authorities say investigations are ongoing, and efforts are focused on providing medical care, restoring safe water supply, and preventing further harm.