The death toll linked to contaminated drinking water in Indore rose to twenty eight on Sunday following the death of Rajaram Bourasi. Bourasi was a retired teacher and a resident of Bhagirathpura. He was also a Congress ward president. He was seventy five years old and died while undergoing treatment at the government super specialty hospital.
According to family members and local residents Bourasi began suffering from vomiting and diarrhoea on Friday. His condition worsened over the next several hours. He was first taken to a local doctor for treatment. When his health did not improve he was admitted to the government super specialty hospital on Saturday morning. Despite medical intervention he died during treatment on Sunday.
The district administration has said that Bourasi had pre existing health conditions including high blood pressure and diabetes. Officials stated that every death is being medically examined before it is officially linked to contaminated water. Authorities have maintained that conclusions will be drawn only after detailed medical assessment.
At present ten patients are admitted to the government super specialty hospital with illnesses suspected to be caused by contaminated water. Of these four patients are undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit. Hospital officials said the condition of one male and one female patient remains critical.
Earlier this week Badri Prasad aged sixty three died on Friday. Vidya Bai aged eighty two died on Thursday night while receiving treatment at Aurobindo Hospital. Both were residents of Bhagirathpura. Their deaths added to the growing number of suspected fatalities linked to the water contamination issue in the area.
Residents of Bhagirathpura have claimed that twenty eight people have died due to contaminated water. However the government has so far acknowledged fifteen deaths in court as being directly linked to the issue. Despite this compensation of two lakh rupees each has already been provided to the families of twenty one victims. Officials said compensation in additional cases will be released after individual investigations are completed.
The water contamination problem has now extended beyond Bhagirathpura. In the Mhow area around thirty people have fallen ill after consuming contaminated water. Among them are twenty four children. Officials said the situation is particularly serious in the Chander Marg area of Patti Bazaar where several families have reported symptoms.
Indore Collector Shivam Verma has directed the health department to ensure proper treatment for all affected patients. He also instructed the Mhow Cantonment Board to carry out thorough water testing and strengthen sanitation measures. The collector said the administration is closely monitoring the situation and assured that all patients are receiving necessary medical care.
Authorities said emergency measures are being taken to prevent further spread of illness. Water supply lines are being inspected and alternative arrangements are being made in affected areas. Officials have urged residents to avoid consuming tap water until further notice and to follow health advisories issued by the administration.