Daijiworld Media Network - Indore

Indore, Jan 1: A severe outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea in Bhagirathpura slum has plunged Indore into a public health and political storm, with confusion persisting over the actual number of lives lost due to contaminated drinking water. While local residents claim that up to 13 people have died over the past week, the Madhya Pradesh government continues to officially acknowledge only four fatalities, deepening mistrust and distress among affected families.

The outbreak, which began around December 25, has left more than 50 people currently hospitalised, with fresh cases still being reported. Residents allege that at least 12 deaths occurred between December 25 and December 31, including two more deaths reported by families on Thursday. Victims reportedly succumbed after developing acute symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea, commonly linked to waterborne infections.

Despite these accounts, district authorities maintain that only four deaths can be conclusively linked to the outbreak. The lack of a clear and transparent death count has intensified public outrage and triggered sharp political exchanges. Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari accused the BJP-led state government of downplaying the crisis, alleging that contaminated water had been supplied despite repeated complaints. He demanded a judicial probe, strict action against those responsible, and compensation of Rs 1 crore for each bereaved family.

In response to the growing anger, state urban administration minister and local mla Kailash Vijayvargiya visited the affected area on Thursday and attempted to distribute relief cheques of Rs 2 lac to victim families. The visit, however, turned confrontational when at least one family refused the assistance, accusing authorities of ignoring long-standing complaints about dirty water supply. A video of residents surrounding the minister and voicing their grievances quickly went viral on social media.

Addressing the controversy later, Vijayvargiya acknowledged discrepancies in the reported death figures, stating that while officials had confirmed four deaths, local reports suggested the toll could be higher. He assured that the administration would verify all claims and extend financial assistance to every eligible family if additional deaths were confirmed. He added that nearly 200 people had been admitted to hospitals since the outbreak began, with most now stable and only one patient remaining on ventilator support.

Local authorities have since stepped up emergency measures. Clean drinking water is being supplied directly to households, ambulances have been stationed in the area, and health teams are monitoring residents showing symptoms. Senior officials, including the Indore District magistrate and Municipal commissioner, have inspected the locality, while chief minister Mohan Yadav has ordered a formal inquiry into the incident. The probe is being led by additional chief secretary Sanjay Dubey, who visited Bhagirathpura to assess conditions firsthand.

Doctors treating the patients say children, the elderly and those with weak immunity have been the most affected. While most cases involve treatable stomach infections, the continued emergence of new cases suggests that the risk has not yet been fully contained.

The crisis has cast a shadow over Indore’s reputation as India’s cleanest city, raising serious concerns about water quality management in urban slums. As residents continue to demand accountability, clarity on the death toll and long-term solutions, the state government’s handling of the outbreak remains under intense public scrutiny.