Speaking to ANI, Likhar said his brother, Arvind Likhar, became unwell after allegedly consuming polluted water and lost his life on the way to hospital.
“On Sunday, he returned home from work and kept vomiting. On Wednesday evening, I went to my shop and got a call saying he was not well. We took him to the hospital, but the doctor said he had lost his life on the way,” he said.
Initial Report Confirms Indore Water Contamination: Collector
Indore Collector Shivam Verma said the initial findings point towards water contamination, though authorities are still assessing the situation on the ground.
“The initial report indicates that the water is contaminated, but we are gathering more information. We have admitted patients and our survey team is going door-to-door to check for symptoms. Chlorine tablets are being distributed everywhere,” Verma told ANI.
He added that the situation is being closely monitored.
Hundreds Hospitalised, Situation Under Watch
According to Verma, a total of 201 patients are currently admitted across private and government hospitals, while 71 people have been discharged.“The number of patients has decreased, but we are keeping a close watch. Whoever is found infected is being treated,” he said.
The state government has assured full support to affected families. “As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, free treatment will be provided, and any money deposited by patients will be refunded,” Verma added.
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance
Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the incident following reports of deaths linked to contaminated water in the area.
“Reportedly, residents had been complaining about the supply of contaminated water for several days, but authorities took no action,” the NHRC said, seeking a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary within two weeks.
CM Reviews Situation, Ministers Visit Affected Area
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Senior officials and ministers, including Kailash Vijayvargiya, Tulsiram Silawat and Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, attended the meeting.
Speaking to the media later, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said he had visited the affected locality and assured families of full support.
“I have just returned from Bhagirathpura. Patients are continuously arriving. Around 200 people were hospitalised, while many others were given primary treatment. No patient is serious now. Even those in ICU are out of danger. Our focus is on ensuring timely and proper treatment,” he said.
Inputs from ANI