The contaminated water crisis in Indore has now claimed over seven lives, with a six-month-old infant becoming the latest victim as nearly 198 people remain hospitalized across the district.
Among the deceased is a baby boy who was born to his family after a decade-long wait. The grieving parents allege their infant fell fatally ill after consuming polluted water supplied to their locality.
The father described how his child’s health deteriorated rapidly. What began as diarrhea and fever prompted an immediate doctor’s visit and medication. However, the infant’s condition worsened alarmingly during nighttime hours, with extremely high temperature and severe vomiting leading to death at home on the 29th.
“He had diarrhoea and fever. We took him to the doctor. The doctor gave him medicine. We brought him home. Suddenly, at night, he developed a very high fever. He vomited, and he died at home on the 29th. I have a daughter, and this son was born 10 years later. He was 6 months old,” the bereaved father said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav personally visited hospitalized patients on Wednesday, demonstrating the state government’s direct engagement with the escalating health emergency.
Financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh has been announced for families who have lost loved ones, alongside free medical treatment for all affected individuals.
Accountability measures continue with three officials facing disciplinary action. Indore Collector Shivam Verma confirmed immediate suspension of Zonal Officer Shaligram Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi, while In-charge Sub-Engineer (PHE) Shubham Shrivastava has been terminated from service.
A three-member investigation committee under IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar’s leadership has been formed, including Superintendent Engineer Pradeep Nigam and Dr. Shailesh Rai, Associate Professor from the Medical College, to probe the contamination incident comprehensively.
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