An inter-ministerial team of experts, constituted under the directive of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is set to arrive in Jammu on Sunday to investigate the mysterious deaths in Budhal village, Rajouri district. The high-level probe follows the deaths of 16 individuals, including children, all belonging to three families in the village since December 8. 

The victims exhibited symptoms such as high fever, excessive sweating, unconsciousness, and eventual death.

The Union Home Minister's directive has formed an inter-ministerial team comprising experts from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Chemicals and Fertilisers and Water Resources. According to official sources, this multi-agency team includes some of India’s most reputed experts, who will work alongside local forensic sciences, animal husbandry, and food safety departments in Jammu and Kashmir.

Toxins found in samples

Health experts have attributed the 16 mysterious deaths in Budhal village, Rajouri district over the past month to neurotoxins, ruling out any viral or bacterial infections. The revelation was made during a press conference on Saturday, aimed at addressing the growing panic among residents.

The press briefing was jointly chaired by Dr AS Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, and Budhal MLA Javed Iqbal Chowdhary. Other senior health officials present included Dr Manohar Lal Rana (Chief Medical Officer, Rajouri), Dr Shamim Ahmed (Medical Superintendent), and Dr Zaeem Khan (Head of Chest and TB at GMC Rajouri).

Dr AS Bhatia informed the public that all 16 deceased individuals suffered from brain swelling (edema), a common medical condition among the victims. He assured that the health department is actively monitoring the situation and providing treatment to affected individuals.

"The neurotoxins found in the samples analyzed by premier laboratories across the country have resulted in brain damage," Dr Bhatia explained.

"We try to mitigate the problem of patients reporting with brain damage, but once the patient reports with serious brain damage, we cannot reverse the condition," he added.

Criminal angle not ruled out

The Jammu & Kashmir administration has directed the Rajouri police to investigate a possible criminal angle, as all the victims belonged to just three families in the village.

A single family of seven lost five members to the mysterious disease. Health department experts have screened 3,500 residents in Budhal and neighbouring villages. Affected families have been isolated as a precautionary measure.

The Rajouri Police have formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the deaths and uncover any foul play.

The arrival of the central team is expected to expedite the investigation, as experts assess potential sources of the toxins and examine food, water, and environmental factors that could have contributed to the deaths.