Mystery illness claims 13 lives in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit district, authorities investigate

A remote village in Chhattisgarh’s insurgency-hit Sukma district is gripped by fear after a mysterious illness reportedly claimed 13 lives within a month. However, the administration has confirmed only five recent deaths, stating that the exact cause of two remains unclear.

The news of the deaths in Dhanikorta, a small village near the Odisha border, took time to reach officials. Once informed, a health team was immediately sent to the area, which is around 30km from the district headquarters. According to sources, all victims experienced chest pain and persistent coughing before their deaths. Nearly every household in the village has been affected, causing widespread panic.

What is causing the illness?

Speaking to TOI, Sukma’s Chief Medical and Health Officer, Dr Kapil Dev Kashyap, said that five deaths had been reported “in the recent past.” He stated that three individuals died in the district hospital due to age-related ailments, while the cause of the other two deaths is still being investigated.


Health officials suspect that a change in weather, combined with the ongoing mahua harvest season, may be responsible. “Villagers are spending long hours in the forests collecting mahua, leading to dehydration and illness,” Kashyap explained.

Villagers reluctant to change their routine

Despite health warnings, villagers continue to venture into the forests for mahua collection. The health department has been distributing ORS to prevent dehydration, but many remain reluctant to alter their routine.

Inputs from TOI