7 dead, over 100 hospitalized after contaminated water devastates Indore

At least seven people have died and more than 100 others hospitalized in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area after allegedly consuming contaminated municipal water, officials confirmed. Preliminary findings indicate drainage water mixed with the drinking water supply, triggering a severe diarrhoea outbreak.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava acknowledged the crisis, stating three deaths are officially confirmed while reports suggest four additional fatalities. “Strict action will be taken against senior officials responsible for this negligence,” Bhargava vowed.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹2 lakh compensation for each bereaved family and promised to cover medical expenses for those affected. To manage the health emergency, 100 additional hospital beds have been arranged at Aurobindo Hospital specifically for Bhagirathpura residents.

Health authorities reported that 12,000 people across 2,703 households were surveyed, with 1,146 receiving on-the-spot treatment for mild symptoms and 111 admitted with serious conditions. Patients exhibited vomiting, diarrhoea, and dehydration linked to the contaminated water.

Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav revealed a major leakage in the main pipeline near a site where a toilet was found constructed, likely causing the water contamination. Samples have been sent for laboratory testing, while medical teams and ambulances work in the area to contain the outbreak.

The opposition Congress demanded a culpable homicide case against the Mayor and Commissioner, accusing them of grave negligence. Congress leader Jitu Patwari claimed a poisonous substance may have entered the water supply and condemned the ruling BJP’s governance.

Residents described the supplied water as foul-smelling and bitter-tasting since December 25, linking it to their illnesses. Several victims, including elderly and middle-aged individuals, died after suffering from severe diarrhoea, sparking outrage and demands for thorough investigation.

Indore’s water supply depends on the Narmada river, with water piped from Jalud in Khargone district, approximately 80 km away. The tragedy highlights critical lapses in municipal water management, raising urgent calls for accountability and reform.