Contaminated Water Crisis in Indore Claims Eight Lives

A severe water contamination crisis in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has resulted in eight fatalities, with officials taking swift action against responsible parties. The Chief Minister has announced compensation for victims' families and assured coverage of medical expenses for affected individuals. The incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of municipal water supplies, prompting local political leaders to demand accountability. Investigations are underway to determine the cause of the contamination, as residents reported unusual tastes and odors in the water. This tragic event highlights the urgent need for improved water safety measures in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 12:39 IST

Tragic Incident in Indore

Indore, Dec 31: The number of fatalities in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has tragically reached eight, following a surge in illnesses linked to contaminated water consumption in the Bhagirathpura locality.

In response to this alarming situation, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has taken decisive action by suspending two municipal officials and terminating the employment of a public health engineer.

This decision was made late Tuesday night.

CM Yadav expressed his sorrow over the incident, stating, "The Bhagirathpura incident is a tragedy. Zonal officer Saligram Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi have been suspended, while Superintendent Engineer of PHE Shubham Srivastava has been dismissed immediately."

Earlier, the Chief Minister conveyed his condolences on social media, honoring the deceased and wishing a swift recovery for those receiving treatment. He also announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families affected and assured that the state would cover all medical expenses for the patients, including reimbursements for previous payments.

As of Tuesday, three individuals had succumbed to their ailments in various hospitals, but the death toll rose to eight by Wednesday, according to official reports.

Local MLA and Cabinet Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya visited hospitals on Monday night to comfort grieving families and reaffirm the commitment to provide free medical care.

The outbreak began after residents reported a strange taste and odor in the municipal water supplied on December 25, raising significant concerns regarding the safety of drinking water in the area.

Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari, who visited hospitals on Tuesday evening, criticized the Indore Municipal Commissioner for the incident and called for accountability from those responsible.

The Indore district Congress unit is expected to file a police complaint against the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) and Mayor Pushyamitara Bhargava later today. Patwari stated he would instruct the district Congress president to file an FIR at the local police station.

Patwari remarked, "This represents a total failure of the Municipal Corporation. If drainage water contaminates drinking water pipelines, it can lead to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice, but it shouldn't result in fatalities. It seems that a toxic substance has contaminated the drinking water supply, which warrants a thorough investigation."