Four deaths have occurred in Rajahmundry city, Andhra Pradesh, within two days, reportedly due to anuria, an inability to pass urine, possibly caused by milk adulteration. S. Seshagiri Rao (72) and Radha Krishnamurthy (74) passed away after being hospitalized since Sunday night. The condition of three other affected individuals is critical.
Earlier, two deaths were reported in the Laala Cheruvu and Chowdeswari Nagar areas of Rajahmundry city in East Godavari district. A total of 14 people, including members of the same family, have been admitted to hospitals with anuria symptoms since February 15. Health authorities suspect milk adulteration as the common link, as the milk vendor for all affected families is the same.
Most victims are over 60 years old, with a three-year-old child and a five-month-old infant also affected. Complaints were lodged by affected families stating that the milk and curd provided by the vendor on February 15 tasted bitter. The vendor, Ganesh, has been detained by the police for interrogation.
Post-mortem examinations will determine the exact cause of the deaths, according to East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri. Special teams from the Medical and Health Department are conducting a swift medical investigation into the cases. The Health and Family Welfare Department is on high alert, collecting samples of milk, water, and other materials from the affected areas for analysis.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held a high-level meeting to assess the situation, receiving updates from officials on the medical assistance provided to the victims. Naidu instructed for enhanced medical support to those undergoing treatment and was informed that the vendor distributed milk to 106 households in the affected regions. Samples have been taken from 75 families who consumed the milk, with additional samples being collected for testing.
Strict actions against the vendor will be taken based on the lab test results of the milk samples, as directed by the Chief Minister. Senior officials from the Food Safety and Medical Health Department have been tasked to promptly travel to Rajahmundry for further actions.
