Diarrhoea Outbreak in Indore: Rising Death Toll Sparks Concern

A serious health crisis has emerged in Indore's Bhagirathpura area, where a diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated water has reportedly resulted in multiple deaths. While local authorities confirm 10 fatalities, residents claim the number is higher, including a tragic case involving an infant. Health officials are investigating the source of contamination, which has affected over 1,400 individuals. With many hospitalized, the situation remains critical as the community seeks answers and solutions to this alarming outbreak.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 2, 2026, 12:47 IST

Health Crisis in Bhagirathpura

Indore: Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava announced on Friday that he has been informed of 10 fatalities linked to a diarrhoea outbreak in the Bhagirathpura region, attributed to tainted water.

Local residents, however, assert that the death toll is higher, claiming that 14 people, including a six-month-old baby, have succumbed to the outbreak. This assertion has yet to be validated by health authorities.

According to Bhargava, health department statistics indicate that four deaths have been officially recorded due to the diarrhoea outbreak, but he has received reports of 10 fatalities.

When questioned about the potential spread of cholera in the area, based on initial tests of drinking water samples from Bhagirathpura, the mayor stated that only the health department could clarify the situation.

Dr. Madhav Prasad Hasani, the Chief Medical and Health Officer (CMHO), revealed on Thursday that laboratory tests from a local medical college confirmed contamination in the drinking water due to a pipeline leak.

However, the CMHO did not disclose detailed findings from the report, and administrative officials have been reticent in providing clear information.

Officials reported that a leak was detected in the main drinking water supply pipeline near a police outpost in Bhagirathpura, where a toilet has been built, leading to the contamination of the water supply.

Over the past nine days, more than 1,400 individuals in Bhagirathpura have experienced symptoms of vomiting and diarrhoea.

A health department representative noted that as of Thursday night, 272 patients had been hospitalized, with 71 already discharged.

Currently, 32 out of 201 hospitalized patients are receiving treatment in intensive care units.