The district administration of Rajouri has intensified containment and surveillance measures in Badhal village, Tehsil Khawas, following a series of mysterious deaths over the past month.
In an official order issued under Section 163 of BNSS, authorities have delineated specific containment zones and implemented stringent monitoring protocols to curb the potential spread of infection.
The order mandates that all families experiencing fatalities be designated as Containment Zone 1, with their houses sealed off and access restricted.
Families identified as close contacts of the affected have been placed under Containment Zone 2, requiring immediate health monitoring and shifting of individuals to GMC Rajouri for continuous observation.
The entire village has been declared Containment Zone 3, ensuring strict oversight of food distribution and consumption under administrative supervision.
In addition, public and private gatherings have been banned, and the administration has deployed officials to monitor all meals served within containment zones.
Police personnel have been tasked with enforcing compliance, while a detailed logbook will record every instance of food distribution and consumption for accountability.
The crisis began over 45 days ago when a mysterious illness claimed the lives of 17 individuals from three interconnected families in Badhal.
Symptoms reportedly included fever, nausea, pain, and loss of consciousness, leading to fatalities within days. Initial investigations have ruled out communicable bacterial or viral diseases.
The tragedy has caused widespread panic, prompting a high-level inter-ministerial team to launch a detailed investigation. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been formed to probe the incident from all angles.
The district administration’s latest measures are part of an effort to prevent further casualties while awaiting the results of the ongoing investigation.
Residents of the area have expressed fears about the unexplained deaths, urging authorities for swift action and clarity on the source of the illness.