Forensic Reports Reveal Deadly Toxins in Badhaal Tragedy, Investigation Intensifies

Jammu, 19-03-2025: The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that an investigation by the Home Department is actively underway into the recent deaths of 17 people, including 13 children, in the remote Badhaal village of Rajouri district. The inquiry, based on clinical reports and forensic analyses, has detected traces of insecticides in the viscera samples of the deceased, raising concerns about possible poisoning.

During discussions in the assembly, members from the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) urged the government to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, citing the need for a thorough and transparent inquiry. Responding to a query raised by National Conference legislator Javeed Iqbal Choudhary, Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated that laboratory tests conducted on environmental and food samples have ruled out bacterial or viral infections as the cause. Instead, forensic examinations by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Chandigarh detected the presence of chlorfenapyr, a potent insecticide, in the viscera samples of all 17 deceased individuals. Further analysis also revealed traces of aluminum, cadmium, and other chemical compounds in food and environmental samples.

The government has assured that authorities are working to trace the source of contamination while forensic and toxicological tests continue. The police and health departments are coordinating efforts to determine how chlorfenapyr entered the food chain and to prevent further casualties. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current findings, Choudhary emphasized the need for a CBI probe, stating that the gravity of the incident necessitates an independent and comprehensive investigation. Members from the People’s Democratic Party also supported the demand, stressing that an impartial probe is required to uncover the root cause. Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M.Y. Tarigami underscored concerns over potential external influences, warning that if toxic exposure was deliberate, it could pose a threat beyond Badhaal village.

The government has responded to the crisis by deploying specialized medical teams from AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh to assist local health authorities. Medical interventions include the admission of 64 patients to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, of whom 41 have been discharged. Seventeen critically ill patients were referred to GMC Jammu, and one was transferred to PGIMER Chandigarh for advanced treatment. A standardized treatment protocol, developed by experts from AIIMS and PGIMER, has been implemented at GMC Rajouri. At SMGS Hospital Jammu, Ward 19 was converted into an isolation unit, where a specialized team of consultants, senior residents, and postgraduate doctors is providing care.

The crisis first emerged on December 7, 2024, when the initial wave of unexplained deaths was reported in Badhaal village. Initial investigations suspected food poisoning, prompting health and food safety teams to collect samples. A second cluster of cases was reported on December 12, heightening concerns. In response, the government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on January 14, 2025, to probe the mysterious deaths further.

To provide immediate relief, the families of the deceased have been given financial assistance from the Red Cross fund, facilitated by the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri.

The Jammu and Kashmir government has confirmed that an investigation by the Home Department is actively underway into the recent deaths of 17 people, including 13 children, in the remote Badhaal village of Rajouri district. The inquiry, based on clinical reports and forensic analyses, has detected traces of insecticides in the viscera samples of the deceased, raising concerns about possible poisoning.

During discussions in the assembly, members from the National Conference, People’s Democratic Party, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) urged the government to initiate a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter, citing the need for a thorough and transparent inquiry. Responding to a query raised by National Conference legislator Javeed Iqbal Choudhary, Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated that laboratory tests conducted on environmental and food samples have ruled out bacterial or viral infections as the cause. Instead, forensic examinations by the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) Chandigarh detected the presence of chlorfenapyr, a potent insecticide, in the viscera samples of all 17 deceased individuals. Further analysis also revealed traces of aluminum, cadmium, and other chemical compounds in food and environmental samples.

The government has assured that authorities are working to trace the source of contamination while forensic and toxicological tests continue. The police and health departments are coordinating efforts to determine how chlorfenapyr entered the food chain and to prevent further casualties. Expressing dissatisfaction with the current findings, Choudhary emphasized the need for a CBI probe, stating that the gravity of the incident necessitates an independent and comprehensive investigation. Members from the People’s Democratic Party also supported the demand, stressing that an impartial probe is required to uncover the root cause. Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader M.Y. Tarigami underscored concerns over potential external influences, warning that if toxic exposure was deliberate, it could pose a threat beyond Badhaal village.

The government has responded to the crisis by deploying specialized medical teams from AIIMS New Delhi and PGIMER Chandigarh to assist local health authorities. Medical interventions include the admission of 64 patients to Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri, of whom 41 have been discharged. Seventeen critically ill patients were referred to GMC Jammu, and one was transferred to PGIMER Chandigarh for advanced treatment. A standardized treatment protocol, developed by experts from AIIMS and PGIMER, has been implemented at GMC Rajouri. At SMGS Hospital Jammu, Ward 19 was converted into an isolation unit, where a specialized team of consultants, senior residents, and postgraduate doctors is providing care.

The crisis first emerged on December 7, 2024, when the initial wave of unexplained deaths was reported in Badhaal village. Initial investigations suspected food poisoning, prompting health and food safety teams to collect samples. A second cluster of cases was reported on December 12, heightening concerns. In response, the government constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on January 14, 2025, to probe the mysterious deaths further.

To provide immediate relief, the families of the deceased have been given financial assistance from the Red Cross fund, facilitated by the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri.