Death continues to stalk Indore’s Bhaagirthpura due to poisoned water supplies, with the toll climbing to 35 after two fresh casualties. 75-year-old Shaligram Thakur lost his battle Monday night; two-year-old Riya Prajapati followed Tuesday morning.
Shaligram’s hospitalization saga began January 2 at Shelby for violent purging episodes, escalating to Bombay Hospital. Discharged lately, his decline was swift. ‘Only the past stroke troubled him,’ shared daughter Mona Thakur. Bombay Hospital’s Rahul Parashar begged to differ, pointing to heart ailments.
Riya endured two weeks at Chacha Nehru Hospital against the same afflictions before succumbing.
Congress heavyweight Jitu Patwari vented on X: ‘Indore’s contaminated water has claimed 35. Today, wee Riya (2) and Shaligram (75) join the departed—unacceptable!’
Administrators withhold comment, but the Madhya Pradesh High Court has launched a judicial commission for a thorough inquest into the water woes and health fallout. Stakeholders are urged to contribute evidence.
Beyond immediate grief, this crisis catalyzes calls for overhaul: advanced testing protocols, infrastructure upgrades, and accountability mechanisms. Bhaagirthpura’s plight mirrors vulnerabilities in India’s urban fringes, urging nationwide vigilance. As probes progress, hope flickers for preventive reforms.