Exclusive: No ‘mystery’ disease behind Rajouri deaths, traces of pesticide found in nearby ‘baoli’

Sources have also confirmed that a central team, which is currently in Jammu and Kashmir and assisting the local administration, has prima facie ruled out the possibility of a “mystery disease” outbreak. This, they said, means that an outbreak caused by a virus or bacteria has been ruled out.

All the victims, including 14 children, belonged to three families from Baddal village in Rajouri district.

Sources also confirmed that the local administration has passed an order to block and seal the baoli. “There is an apprehension that the tribal population of the village may collect the flowing water of this spring stealthily,” the order says.

On Saturday, Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team and directed them to visit the village, located about 55 km from Rajouri town, to determine the exact cause of the deaths in three incidents over the past six weeks.

The team is led by officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and includes representatives from the ministries of Health, Agriculture, and other departments.

After reaching the village, a source said, the inter-ministerial team, along with experts from the Chemicals and Fertilizers Ministry, collected water samples from the area and found traces of pesticides during their initial examination.

“For now, the district administration has been directed to seal the baoli and ensure that all villagers undergo medical examinations,” the source said.

However, the team has not yet reached a final conclusion linking the deaths to a neurotoxin, although it remains one of the possibilities under investigation. Neurotoxins are substances that can damage nerve tissues and disrupt the normal functioning of the nervous system.

Earlier, The Indian Express reported that 3,500 samples collected from the region tested negative for any viruses or bacteria. Typically, outbreaks are monitored through a network of surveillance teams across the country. These teams investigate spikes in diseases such as dengue, dysentery, food-borne hepatitis, and clusters of unexplained symptoms. The data is reported on a centralised portal, and central teams are deployed as needed to assist states and union territories in managing outbreaks.

“A team of experts that previously investigated the deaths did not detect any bacteria or viruses in the samples. They also examined the water and food sources,” said a senior health official.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the deaths do not currently constitute a public health emergency. However, the local administration, with assistance from the central team, continues to maintain surveillance.

During outbreaks, central teams typically work with local administrations to collect samples from symptomatic individuals or those who had contact with the deceased or ill. They also enforce isolation measures to prevent the spread of disease while samples are tested.