Karnataka CM Orders Expert Committee To Probe Sudden Deaths Linked To Cardiac Issues

Senior journalist Rajaram Tallur raised issue in an email to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah highlighting the socio-economic distress faced by families who have lost young members unexpectedly.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has directed the formation of an expert committee to investigate the rising number of sudden deaths among young individuals, particularly due to cardiac arrests, heart attacks, and neurological conditions. The move comes amid concerns about a possible link between these fatalities and Covid-19 or its vaccination.

Senior journalist Rajaram Tallur raised the issue in an email to the Chief Minister, highlighting the socio-economic distress faced by families who have lost young members unexpectedly, reported PTI. In response, Siddaramaiah instructed the Chief Secretary to establish a team of experts and scientists to conduct an in-depth study on the matter.

The committee will analyze trends, identify risk factors, and recommend preventive measures. The Chief Secretary has been tasked with overseeing the investigation and ensuring timely action based on the findings, reported India Today. Siddaramaiah emphasised that necessary measures would be implemented to curb such sudden deaths once the expert panel submits its report.

"Therefore, it is directed that a committee of experts and scientists be constituted to conduct thorough research on these sudden deaths and propose measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The committee should submit a report, based on which stringent action should be taken," said a note from the Chief Minister’s Office dated February 6, as per agency report.

However, a senior health department official told PTI, "There is no official data on sudden deaths, and any connection to Coronavirus or Covid-19 vaccines is yet to be ascertained.

The issue gained prominence after several high-profile cases of unexpected deaths due to cardiac events. Notably, in 2021, Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar, aged 46, passed away following a cardiac arrest. His sudden demise shocked the industry and the public alike. The actor, son of legendary Kannada star Dr. Rajkumar, is survived by his wife Ashwini Revanth and daughters Drithi and Vanditha.