Mystery Illness Claims 16 Lives in J&K’s Budhal Village: Neurotoxins Found as Investigations Continue

In Budhal village of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, a mysterious illness has claimed 16 lives over the past 45 days, creating fear and uncertainty among residents. The government has formed teams to investigate the incidents and determine the cause of these unexplained deaths.

Initial Incidents

The first tragedy occurred on December 7, 2024, when a family of seven fell ill after a community meal. Five members of the family passed away. A second incident followed on December 12, when another family of nine was affected, resulting in three fatalities. The third incident took place on January 12, 2025, when a family of ten became ill after another community meal. This time, six children were hospitalized, and tragically, 10-year-old Zabeena Kouser died at Jammu’s SMGS Hospital, while her 15-year-old sister Yasmeen Kouser remains in critical condition.

Government Response

To address the alarming situation, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah convened a meeting with health and police officials, instructing them to expedite investigations. “The mysterious nature of these fatalities is very alarming. The government is committed to identifying the root cause and ensuring the safety of our citizens,” Abdullah stated. Key officials, including Health Minister Sakeena Itoo and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, attended the meeting.

At the national level, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formed an inter-ministerial team, led by the Ministry of Home Affairs, to investigate. This team includes experts from ministries such as Health and Family Welfare, Agriculture, Chemicals and Fertilisers, and Water Resources.

Progress in Investigations

Health department teams have conducted door-to-door surveys, reaching over 3,000 residents, and collected samples of water, food, and other materials for testing. However, all tests for potential contaminants, influenza, and infectious agents have come back negative. Even leading national institutes like ICMR, the National Institute of Virology, the National Centre for Disease Control, CSIR, DRDO, and PGIMER-Chandigarh have been unable to pinpoint a definitive cause for the deaths.

An important finding came from the autopsy reports conducted by CSIR-IITR, which revealed the presence of neurotoxins in the deceased individuals. These substances have been linked to brain swelling (edema) and subsequent brain damage, according to Dr. A.S. Bhatia, Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Rajouri. “Once a patient comes in with severe brain damage caused by neurotoxins, it becomes almost impossible to reverse the situation,” Dr. Bhatia explained.

Impacted Families and Local Reactions

The fatalities have primarily affected three families living within a 1.5 km radius in the village. Authorities have sealed off the homes of the affected families and relocated 21 close relatives to government facilities for close monitoring. The most recent victim, 60-year-old Jatti Begum, died on Friday. Another young girl from the village is still fighting for her life.

A new graveyard has been created on agricultural land owned by Mohammad Aslam, who has lost five children, as well as his maternal uncle and aunt, between January 12 and 17. His only surviving daughter, Yasmeena Jan, remains critically ill. Residents are gripped with fear, as no other villagers outside these families have reported similar illnesses, deepening the mystery.

Political Responses

A BJP delegation, led by former J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina, visited Budhal village to offer condolences and support to the victims’ families. “The heartbreaking loss of lives has devastated the region, and our party stands with the families during this challenging time,” Raina said. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha also reached out to the families and assured swift action to address the crisis.

Health Minister Sakina Masood emphasized that investigations have ruled out any communicable disease caused by bacteria or viruses. “There is no public health concern, as the deaths are not linked to any infectious agents,” she stated.

What Are Neurotoxins?

Neurotoxins are harmful substances that disrupt the normal functioning of nerve cells (neurons) in the body, potentially leading to severe damage. These toxins can impact the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves, causing symptoms that depend on the type and amount of toxin involved. Neurotoxins may be naturally produced by organisms like bacteria, plants, or animals, or they may be man-made chemicals.

In the Budhal cases, experts identified neurotoxins as the cause of death, leading to brain swelling and subsequent damage. Extensive testing by national laboratories confirmed the presence of these toxins in the samples collected from the affected area.

Conclusion

The deaths in Budhal village remain a troubling mystery, with investigations ongoing to uncover the source of the neurotoxins and prevent further tragedies. Meanwhile, the government continues to monitor the situation, provide assistance to affected families, and ensure the safety of the community.