Three people including a child lost their lives and 95 others fell ill after consuming contaminated water at Chinnenahalli village in Madhugiri taluk of Karnataka on Wednesday. The deceased were identified as Chikkadasappa (76), Peddanna (74), and Meenakshi (3), all of whom were receiving treatment at a local hospital.
The incident unfolded following a fair held in Chinnenahalli on June 7 where several residents partook in festivities. Subsequently, on June 10, individuals who consumed water from an overhead tank suddenly fell ill.
"A temple fair was organised at Chinnenahalli, and there are reports that due to consumption of contaminated water, over hundred people suffered from vomiting and loose motion. Some of them admitted themselves to private hospitals in Madhugiri, Koratagere and Tumakuru, and the district administration also shifted those affected to Tumakuru hospital," an official told reporters, as per PTI.
Chikkadasappa and Peddanna were promptly hospitalised while Meenakshi experiencing vomiting and dysentery was admitted on Wednesday. Though she initially showed signs of improvement and was discharged her condition worsened en route to the hospital, resulting in her demise, according to a report on Deccan Herald.
Presently, 59 others are undergoing treatment across various hospitals in the region, battling the effects of the water contamination.
Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Subha Kalyan and district surgeon Dr. Asgar Baig, visited the hospital on Thursday to assess the situation and extend support to the affected families.
Taluk health officer Dr. Sreenivas confirmed that samples sent for laboratory testing confirmed the contamination, prompting urgent measures to address the crisis and prevent further casualties. Authorities continue to investigate the source of the contamination and are working diligently to safeguard public health in the affected area, as reported by The New Indian Express.
Following the incident, Panchayat Development Officer BV Muniraju and waterman S Nagaraju have been suspended from their duty.
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