New Delhi: Indore’s ongoing water contamination crisis has claimed another life, raising the official death toll to 32. Anita Kushwah, 65, succumbed on Sunday night after a prolonged battle with severe illness caused by the contaminated water in Bhagirathpura.
Anita was first admitted to Bhagyashree Hospital on December 28, presenting with intense vomiting and diarrhoea. Though discharged after two days, her condition quickly worsened. She was subsequently shifted to Aurobindo Hospital on January 1 and then to Bombay Hospital on January 4 as her health deteriorated.
During her hospitalisation, Anita required ventilator support and continuous hemodialysis due to kidney failure. She also suffered a cardiac arrest, and despite extensive critical care over more than a month, she was unable to recover. Dr Madhav Hasani, Chief Medical and Health Officer, confirmed that all efforts were made at higher-level hospitals, but the patient could not be saved.
This follows the recent death of Eknath Suryavanshi, who also succumbed after nearly a month of hospital treatment. Over 450 patients affected by the contaminated water have been treated and discharged so far, but three remain hospitalised, including two in critical condition in the ICU.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court is actively overseeing the case, with three petitions filed concerning the Bhagirathpura deaths. Noting discrepancies in official counts, the court has ordered a judicial inquiry. A committee led by retired Judge Sushil Kumar Gupta has been tasked with investigating the deaths and submitting a report by March 5.
During proceedings, the government stated that 16 deaths were directly linked to contaminated water, while others were attributed to separate medical causes, placing the official figure at 23. The court has sought clarification on this discrepancy, pressing authorities to provide a transparent account of fatalities and their causes.
The tragedy underscores the continuing health risks faced by residents and the urgent need for remedial measures to prevent further loss of life.
