Indore water contamination: Multiple deaths, chilling accounts of victims' last hours and what has happened so far

Indore water crisis: Amid the chaos triggered by the contaminated water crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, which has claimed over 10 lives, Anil Likhar, the brother of a deceased labourer, recalled that his sibling fell ill soon after returning home from work and began vomiting repeatedly, ANI reported.

Speaking to ANI, Likhar said his brother, Arvind Likhar, became unwell after allegedly consuming polluted water and lost his life on the way to hospital.

Read more: How a deadly outbreak began after toilet sewage mixed with the drinking water line in Indore


“On Sunday, he returned home from work and kept vomiting. On Wednesday evening, I went to my shop and got a call saying he was not well. We took him to the hospital, but the doctor said he had lost his life on the way,” he said.

Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava said he has received information about 10 deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of the city.

“According to health department data, four people have died due to the diarrhoea outbreak in Bhagirathpura. However, I have received information about 10 deaths due to this outbreak,” Bhargava told PTI.

Initial Report Confirms Indore Water Contamination: Collector

Indore Collector Shivam Verma said the initial findings point towards water contamination, though authorities are still assessing the situation on the ground.

“The initial report indicates that the water is contaminated, but we are gathering more information. We have admitted patients and our survey team is going door-to-door to check for symptoms. Chlorine tablets are being distributed everywhere,” Verma told ANI.

He added that the situation is being closely monitored.

Hundreds Hospitalised, Situation Under Watch

According to Verma, more than 201 patients were admitted to both government and private hospitals at the time, while 71 people had been discharged.

“The number of patients has decreased, but we are keeping a close watch. Whoever is found infected is being treated,” he said.

The state government has assured full support to affected families.

“As per the Chief Minister’s instructions, free treatment will be provided, and any money deposited by patients will be refunded,” Verma added.

NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognisance

Earlier, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) took suo motu cognisance of the incident following reports of deaths linked to contaminated water in the area.

“Reportedly, residents had been complaining about the supply of contaminated water for several days, but authorities took no action,” the NHRC said, seeking a detailed report from the Madhya Pradesh Chief Secretary within two weeks.

CM Reviews Situation, Ministers Visit Affected Area

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the situation and coordinate relief efforts. Senior officials and ministers, including Kailash Vijayvargiya, Tulsiram Silawat and Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava, attended the meeting.

Speaking to the media later, Urban Development and Housing Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said he had visited the affected locality and assured families of full support.

“I have just returned from Bhagirathpura. Patients are continuously arriving. Around 200 people were hospitalised, while many others were given primary treatment. No patient is serious now. Even those in ICU are out of danger. Our focus is on ensuring timely and proper treatment,” he said.

Inputs from ANI