J-K News: GMC Rajouri cancels all medical staff leaves amid crisis following unexplained deaths of 3 families in Kotranka

J-K News: The leaves of all medical staff at GMC Rajouri have been canceled due to a medical emergency following the tragic deaths of 17 individuals from three families in the remote Badhaal village in Kotranka, attributed to an unidentified illness. Notably, eight fatalities occurred since January 12 alone.

Isolation Measures Implemented

On Saturday, nearly 200 close relatives of the deceased were relocated to an isolation center, while several other villagers remain hospitalized as authorities work to pinpoint the toxins responsible for these mass fatalities. Badhaal village, identified as the epicenter of this mysterious illness, has been designated a containment zone, with strict prohibitory orders against all public and private gatherings.

"The winter vacations have also been canceled to address the medical alert situation," stated Dr. Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, principal of GMC Rajouri. He added that the Jammu and Kashmir government has dispatched ten additional medical students to support the healthcare framework amid this ongoing crisis.

Investigation Underway

A central team, alongside local police, has initiated separate investigations into the mysterious deaths that have predominantly affected three families. An official reported that four adults and thirteen children from the families of Mohammad Fazal, Mohammad Aslam, and Mohammad Rafiq succumbed to this unexplained illness over the past six weeks.In response to findings of neurotoxins in samples from the deceased, an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to explore potential criminal implications. This team has already questioned over 50 individuals as part of their inquiry.