Tragic Rise in Deaths Linked to Adulterated Milk in Andhra Pradesh

In a tragic incident in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, the death toll from consuming allegedly adulterated milk has reached 16. Victims suffered from multi-organ failure due to acute renal issues linked to ethylene glycol contamination. As investigations continue, three individuals remain hospitalized. The contaminated milk was supplied by a single vendor, who has been detained. This situation has raised serious health concerns in the community, prompting forensic tests on milk samples and cattle fodder. Read on for more details about this alarming health crisis.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 23, 2026, 09:47 IST

Increasing Death Toll from Contaminated Milk

The number of fatalities resulting from the consumption of allegedly tainted milk in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, has tragically risen to 16, as reported on Sunday.

According to laboratory analyses, the victims succumbed to multi-organ failure, primarily due to acute renal failure caused by milk contaminated with ethylene glycol, as stated in a government press release.

Currently, three individuals remain hospitalized in the town.

In mid-February, numerous people were admitted to hospitals after experiencing severe health issues, including vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria, and acute renal dysfunction, following the consumption of the adulterated milk from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar.

By February 24, four individuals had already died, with many others receiving treatment, some in critical condition.

Residents reported that symptoms of renal failure began manifesting a day after the Maha Shivratri festival, which occurred on February 15.

District Collector Kirthi Chekuri informed that all affected individuals had consumed milk from the same vendor, who is now in custody.

This milk was sourced from over 40 dairy farmers and distributed to more than 100 families, all of whom reside in the same localities.

On February 23, samples were collected from 75 families, as announced by the chief minister’s office. Forensic tests have been conducted on both the milk and the fodder provided to the cattle.