Father Demands Justice After Losing Five Children in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir
SRINAGAR: In the remote Badhaal village of Kotranka in Rajouri district, where life is already challenging, Mohammad Aslam is mourning the devastating loss of five children and a maternal uncle to a mysterious illness that struck his family with tragic suddenness.
Left with only one critically ill daughter, Aslam and his wife are consumed by despair.
“I have lost three daughters and two sons in just a few days. Now, my only surviving daughter is fighting for her life. She is all I have left.” Aslam said.
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Choking with emotion, he added, “I couldn’t save my other children, but I’ll do whatever it takes to save her. Her condition remains critical.”
Aslam explained that his children were in good health until last Sunday when they began experiencing minor vomiting and fever. Despite being rushed to the hospital, six of the seven family members affected—five children and his maternal uncle—succumbed to the illness.
“My daughter is still alive, but I live in constant fear of losing her too,” he said.
He expressed frustration at the authorities’ lack of timely intervention. While the Deputy Commissioner and SSP visited his home and offered some assistance, no representative from the government, particularly the NC-led administration, has extended support, he said.
Aslam urged the government to expedite investigations into the illness and take immediate measures to prevent further deaths. “I’ve lost everything, but I don’t want others to face the same tragedy. The government must act swiftly to save lives,” he pleaded.
Outbreak Causes Widespread Panic
The victims of this tragedy include Nabina, Jabeena, Safeena, Zahoor Ahmad, and Mohammad Maroof, along with their maternal uncle, Mohammad Yousuf. The lone survivor, Yasmeena Jan, is in critical condition.
The mysterious outbreak has sparked widespread fear in Badhaal village, with residents anxious about their health as the illness continues to claim lives. Other families in the village have also reported fatalities, further intensifying the panic.
Symptoms and Investigation
The symptoms reported in victims include high fever, excessive sweating, vomiting, and episodes of unconsciousness. Despite medical efforts, the cause of the illness remains unidentified, and treatment is currently symptomatic.
The deaths reportedly began on December 8, 2024, with Mohammad Fazal and his four children among the first victims. Subsequently, three children from Mohammad Rafiq’s family, along with his pregnant wife, died by December 23, allegedly due to medical negligence.
An 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by Superintendent of Police (Operations) Budhal, Wajahat Hussain, has been constituted to investigate the deaths. The team includes experts in forensic medicine, toxicology, microbiology, paediatrics, and pathology, alongside local police officials.
J&K Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, stated that tests conducted so far have been negative for viruses or infections. However, investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the outbreak. (KNO)