Containment orders imposed in Rajouri's Badhaal village after 17 mystery deaths; four more hospitalized with unexplained illness

The authorities on Wednesday sealed Rajouri's Badhaal village and declared it as a containment zone after four more youths fell seriously ill showing similar symptoms that 17 people suffered before dying due to mysterious reasons.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

One of these people, 25-year-old Ajaz Khan, suffering from unexplained illness, was last night flown to the PGI, Chandigarh, in an air ambulance that was sent by the Home Ministry. His condition was stated critical when he was first shifted to the medical college hospital here.

Three daughters of one Bagga Khan became sick and were shifted to the medical college hospital at Rajouri this morning. With this, the mysterious disease has traveled to the fourth family.

Seventeen persons, including 13 children, belonging to three inter-related families have died under mysterious circumstances between 7 December and 19 January in the village.

Houses of the affected families have been sealed.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo last night ordered the district authorities to impose stringent containment measures to ensure that there is no further loss of any life.