Mystery Deaths in Rajouri District of IIOJK: Questions Grow Over India’s Unresolved Investigation

The unexplained deaths of 17 people in Badhal village, Rajouri, continue to baffle residents and raise suspicions, with Indian authorities failing to offer clear answers.

In Badhal village, Rajouri district, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) 17 individuals from three families have tragically lost their lives between December 7 of last year and January 19. The cause of these deaths remains shrouded in mystery, sparking growing fear and suspicion among the local population. Despite ongoing investigations, Indian authorities have yet to provide clear conclusions, leaving many with more questions than answers.

The deaths prompted a high-level investigation, initiated by the Indian Home Ministry, and a special investigation team (SIT) formed by the IIOJK police. However, more than two months after the incident, the cause remains unresolved. Preliminary investigations have found traces of toxic substances, specifically chlorfenapyr and sulfone, which have neurotoxic effects, in the samples taken from the affected families. Yet, authorities have emphasized that these findings alone cannot definitively explain the deaths, further fueling skepticism about the investigation’s transparency.

Despite public pressure for clarity, the Indian government and the IIOJK administration have yet to release the toxicology reports, which has only deepened concerns. A doctor from GMC Jammu, where some of the victims were treated, was quoted by The Wire, stating that the symptoms exhibited by the patients resembled those of neurotoxic poisoning, which often leads to multiple organ failure. However, the exact cause of death remains inconclusive, adding to the ambiguity of the situation.

A senior official in Jammu confirmed that the exact cause of death has not been established, although reports from laboratories suggest the presence of several toxins. The official noted that some of these toxins might have been inadvertently included in the samples, but this only added to the confusion. Additionally, a senior police officer investigating the case revealed that chlorfenapyr is not commonly available in local markets, raising the possibility that the toxin could have been brought into the area from outside. This revelation has prompted authorities to investigate all potential angles.

As the investigation continues with little progress, locals have begun to speculate about the potential involvement of the Indian army. Many residents believe that the deaths could be linked to the deliberate contamination of the village’s water supply, possibly as part of a larger strategy to instill fear among the Kashmiri population. The refusal of Indian authorities to release critical toxicology reports has only fueled these suspicions, leading many to question whether there is a deliberate cover-up at play.

The mysterious deaths in Rajouri remain unresolved, with locals demanding transparency and accountability from the Indian authorities. As the investigation drags on, the lack of clear answers has only intensified fears and distrust among the people of IIOJK.