JAMMU, JANUARY 21:Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo convened a meeting with officials from the Divisional and District administrations, health specialists, and police to assess the response to mysterious deaths reported in Badhal village, Rajouri. The meeting focused on determining the causes and strengthening measures to avoid additional fatalities.
Key participants included the Secretary of Health and Medical Education Department, ADGP Jammu, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, SP Rajouri, Principals of GMC Jammu and Rajouri, Director Health Services Jammu, and experts from national health bodies.
The Chief Secretary directed the Health and Police Departments to collaborate with the Divisional Administration to implement strict containment strategies.
He instructed officials to develop a detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for monitoring the village and to deploy adequate personnel to enforce it effectively. Mr. Dulloo stressed the importance of supplying only tested food and essentials to the quarantined individuals.
He urged continued investigations by both police and health professionals until the root cause of the deaths is confirmed. Additionally, he called for analyzing reports from national diagnostic agencies to guide the response.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress made by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Police Department and the efforts of the ministerial team from the Ministry of Home Affairs. Experts were also consulted to identify precautionary measures to prevent further incidents.
Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, Secretary of Health and Medical Education, informed that families in the affected area have been isolated, and their food and water supplies are being rigorously tested.
Health teams are actively monitoring symptoms among the population, and local healthcare centers are fully prepared for any emergencies. The authorities have also ensured that families remain under close supervision, and no exchange of food or other items is permitted. These measures aim to protect lives while investigations into the mysterious deaths continue.
