Congress leader Y.S. Sharmila Reddy criticized the Andhra Pradesh government for the deaths of 11 individuals in Rajahmundry due to milk adulteration, labeling it as government-sanctioned “murders.” She blamed the state administration for neglecting food safety, leading to the tragic incident. Sharmila Reddy, after visiting the victims at KIMS Hospital, emphasized that the incident was not accidental but a consequence of prolonged official apathy and regulatory failures.
The Congress leader highlighted that the Varalakshmi milk vendor operated without a valid license for over a decade, questioning the inaction of the Food Safety Department. She expressed concern over the contaminated milk causing severe illnesses, with some victims still in critical condition and requiring ventilator support. Sharmila Reddy underscored the prevalent food safety issues in Andhra Pradesh, citing widespread adulteration in essential food items due to regulatory inactivity.
Sharmila Reddy criticized the lack of regulatory personnel in Rajahmundry, pointing out the insufficient presence of Food Safety Officers. She held Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu responsible for the tragedy, demanding immediate reinforcement of the Food Safety Department through enhanced recruitment and regular inspections. The Congress leader also called for an increase in compensation for the victims’ families and criticized the former Chief Minister for his alleged lack of empathy towards the affected individuals.
Warning about the potential recurrence of such incidents, Sharmila urged the government to prioritize public health and food safety by enforcing stringent regulations across the state promptly.
