Death toll from contaminated water in Bhagirathpura Indore rises to 30; HC forms inquiry commission, what court said during hearing?
The death toll from contaminated water in Bhagirathpura Indore rose to 30 on Wednesday. Lakshmi Rajak, a 62-year-old resident of Bhagirathpura, had complained of vomiting and diarrhea two days ago. She was admitted to the hospital, where her family members said they learned that her kidneys had also failed.
Earlier, Khubchand of Bhagirathpura had died from contaminated water on Tuesday. On Wednesday, his family members staged a protest by placing his body on the road before the funeral. However, the number of hospitalized patients has now dropped to just 6. Of these, 3 are in the ICU, and one is on a ventilator.
Meanwhile, a hearing on the matter was held at the Indore bench of the High Court on Tuesday (February 27). The hearing lasted for more than two and a half hours.
Chief Secretary Anurag Jain was virtually present for 10 minutes. During this time, a report on 23 deaths was presented, of which 16 were attributed to contaminated water, while there was uncertainty regarding four deaths. Three deaths were not attributed to contaminated water.
HC orders independent probe
During the hearing, the High Court adopted a strict stance and ordered an independent inquiry. The High Court stated that the right to clean drinking water is part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution. This case is related to a serious public health emergency.
The court questioned the reports submitted by the state government and the municipal corporation, stating that the instructions regarding the supply of safe water, treatment, and testing at the ground level were not fully followed.
Discrepancies emerge regarding the death toll
Serious discrepancies also emerged regarding the death toll. While the government report attributed 16 deaths to waterborne diseases, the petitioners claimed the number of deaths was approximately 30.
HC forms inquiry commission
Considering the seriousness of the matter, the High Court has constituted a single-member inquiry commission headed by retired Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta. The commission will submit a report on the causes of water pollution, the actual number of deaths, the nature of the diseases, the adequacy of medical facilities, the accountability of the responsible officials, and compensation for the victims.
The Commission has been granted powers similar to those of a civil court. It can summon officials and witnesses, request documents, conduct water quality tests, and carry out site inspections. The state government will provide the Commission with the necessary staff, office space, and resources.
The court directed that daily water quality testing and regular health camps continue and sought an interim report within four weeks. The next hearing will be on March 5, 2026.