Srinagar/ Rajouri: While the mystery over the deaths in Badhaal area of Rajouri continue to remain unsolved, the Government has discharged all the quarantined people from the village and allowed them to proceed to their homes after remaining in isolation for nearly one month.
Since December 7, 2024, a total of 17 people—including 13 children—have died due to an unidentified illness. While no new cases have been reported in almost one month, all the previously admitted patients have recovered and no one has shown any symptoms since then, said the officials.
An official said that experts from prestigious institutes of India had recommended keeping all close contacts and patients in proper monitoring and if they won’t show any symptoms for 21 consecutive days, then they can be allowed to return to their home.
He said that following their advice and recommendations, all close contacts of the deceased were kept in proper surveillance and none among them showed any symptoms for more than 21 days following which they were discharged.
Speaking to the media, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma while sharing the details regarding the measures taken to contain the mysterious illness, said that they followed all the recommendations of experts, especially from AIIMS Delhi and now the patients and quarantined people have been discharged.
He, however, said that the government will continue to provide them all eatables and other items till SIT constituted to probe the deaths will submit its report.
The deputy Commissioner said that the whole village will continue to remain under proper surveillance and monitoring and all the support will be provided to them.
The District Administration Rajouri, under the supervision of Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, has facilitated the return of 62 families comprising 330 individuals (152 males and 178 females) back to their homes at Badhaal village after a stay of 22 day at lodgment centers established at BHSS and Nursing College.
The DC appreciated the coordinated efforts of all departments in ensuring the well-being of these families during their stay. He also thanked the affected persons for their cooperation and patience throughout the period.
To ensure a safe and smooth transition, all departments created awareness among the families regarding necessary precautions post-departure. Additionally, the ration already available at their houses will be sealed and shifted to a secure location under the supervision of ADC Kotranka. The administration has also provided ration kits for immediate use, and routine ration distribution will continue in their respective villages.
As a welfare measure, DC Rajouri handed over labour cards to eligible beneficiaries among these families. Furthermore, 10 cases under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) were registered during their stay at the lodgement centres and the same will be processed on priority.
In terms of health and safety, the Food Safety Inspector was directed to maintain records of collected samples and ensure follow-ups until the results are received. The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) was instructed to deploy a dedicated health team at Badhal for regular medical check-ups.
To facilitate the return of livestock, officials of the Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department were stationed at Badhal to ensure the smooth handover of domestic animals to their owners.
Infrastructure and essential services were also prioritized. The PHE Department has been directed to continue tanker services, ensure the cleaning of storage tanks and operationalize the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) scheme within a week. The Power Development Department (PDD) was instructed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.
To maintain security and monitoring, ADC Kotranka and SP Kotranka were directed to keep records of vehicles entering and leaving Badhal village. Meanwhile, the District Information Officer (DIO) was tasked with preserving CCTV footage of food preparation and distribution at the lodgement centres.
During their stay, teachers and Anganwadi workers were deployed to provide education to children, while doctors ensured healthcare services. The departing families expressed their gratitude to the District Administration, especially DC Rajouri, for their support and care. They also acknowledged the dedication of Animal and Sheep Husbandry employees who looked after their livestock in Badhal.
The occasion was attended by ADDC Rajouri Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, PO ICDS Mohd Fareed Kohli, ACP Sheraz Chouhan, DSEO Sandeep Sharma, Dy DEO Shakeel Ahmed, Ex En PDD Mohd Rasheed, CMO Manohar Rana, AD FCS & CA, ALC, and other district and sectoral officers. (With inputs from KNO)
Mystery continues: After 22 days, 62 Badhaal families return home
