Organophosphorus, carbamates poisoning likely behind Rajouri deaths, reports still awaited: Experts

JAMMU/NEW DELHI: With detailed clinical reports about the ‘mystery illness’ in Badhaal village of Kotranka in J&K’s Rajouri district — that has killed 17 members of three families since Dec 2024 — still awaited, experts said higher concentrations of carbamates and organophosphorus in the deceased’s blood samples may be the root cause of the mass deaths. Meanwhile, three patients were discharged from GMC Jammu on Monday after recovering, officials said.
“The three patients — Tazeem Akhter (23), Khalida Bagum (18), Nazia Kouser (16), daughters of Bagh Hussain of Badhaal — who were earlier referred to GMC Jammu were discharged Monday,” an official said, adding: “Another patient, Javid Ahmad (25), who was airlifted to PGI Chandigarh from GMC Jammu on Jan 22, has also recovered and may be discharged in one or two days.”
Carbamates and organophosphorus are used as sprays or baits to kill insects by affecting their brains and nervous systems. The presence of carbamates and organophosphorus was found in the samples taken from the first three families and could be probable causes of the deaths in Badhaal, sources said, while adding that it was too early to figure out sans detailed reports.
“By correlating the chain of events, preliminary investigation indicates that the toxins could have been ingested in the form of food that may have been consumed accidentally or given deliberately,” an official said, adding: “The epidemiological diagnosis seems to be an acute intermittent exposure happening over different time intervals in specific people living in the same geographical area. The exposure can be accidental or deliberate. Police and administration are investigating. The real cause of death would be known after investigations are complete.”
At least 17 people, including 14 minors, died while several were hospitalised due to the “mysterious” illness plaguing Badhaal village over the past two months. J&K Police formed an SIT to investigate the deaths. Union home ministry has been monitoring the situation and had earlier sent a multi-departmental committee to Badhaal to assess and assist the J&K team in tackling the health crisis. Sources said an inter-ministerial committee, which includes representatives from the health ministry, is also overseeing the situation.