Adulterated Milk Tragedy Claims Four Lives in Andhra Pradesh's Rajahmundry
A devastating public health crisis has unfolded in Rajahmundry city, Andhra Pradesh, where four individuals, including two women, have succumbed to acute renal failure over the past 48 hours. The fatalities are linked to the consumption of suspected adulterated milk, with approximately ten more people currently hospitalized and in critical condition.
Details of the Deceased and Affected Areas
The deceased victims have been identified as N Seshagiri Rao (72), Radhakrishna Murthy (74), Tadi Krishnaveni (76), and Tadi Ramani (58). Most of those impacted are over the age of 65, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly residents to such food safety failures. The suspected cases of anuria, a severe medical condition characterized by near-total absence of urine production, were reported primarily from the Swaroop Nagar and Choudeswar Nagar localities within Rajahmundry.
Milk Vendor and Dairy Farm Under Scrutiny
Authorities have taken milk vendor Addala Ganeswara Rao into custody following the tragic incidents. Rao operated an unauthorized dairy farm known as Varalakshmi Dairy, located in Narasapuram village. This facility has since been sealed by officials as part of the ongoing investigation.
Milk samples from the dairy have been dispatched to laboratories in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Hyderabad for comprehensive testing. Results from these analyses are anticipated within the next 72 hours, which will provide crucial insights into the nature of the contamination.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
In response to the crisis, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu convened an emergency review meeting with health officials. He announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, offering financial support during this difficult period.
East Godavari Collector Keerthi Chekuri provided updates on the situation, stating that rapid response teams are conducting door-to-door surveys in the affected areas. Around 12 persons have been admitted to various hospitals across the city, with all cases traced back to milk supplied by the same dairy farm.
Widespread Testing and Medical Camps Established
Officials have collected milk samples from 75 out of 106 families who received milk from vendor Addala Ganeswara Rao. Special teams from Vijayawada have arrived in Rajahmundry to monitor and manage the escalating health emergency.
State Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav revealed that blood samples from members of the 106 affected families have been sent for testing. Preliminary analysis indicates abnormally high levels of urea and creatinine, consistent with renal failure. Postmortem findings and samples from the deceased are being forwarded to the regional forensic laboratory for further examination.
To address immediate healthcare needs, authorities have set up 14 medical camps in the impacted regions of Rajahmundry. These camps aim to provide timely medical assistance and monitor residents for any emerging symptoms.
Local Accounts and Timeline of Symptoms
According to local residents, symptoms of renal failure began manifesting a day after Maha Shivratri on February 15. Vanaja, a resident of the area, shared that the same vendor had been supplying milk to her family for five years without incident. However, on the day following the festival, she noticed the milk had a bitter taste and an unusual odor.
"I disposed of the milk immediately and complained to the vendor," Vanaja recounted. "Many others also avoided consuming it due to the strange taste. Unfortunately, my neighbor, who drank the milk that day, fell seriously ill."
Investigation into Dairy Operations and Broader Implications
District Animal Husbandry Officer T Srinivasa Rao provided additional context, explaining that the accused milk vendor sourced milk from 46 buffaloes owned by 42 farmers in Narsapuram village. Interestingly, the health of people in Narsapuram who consumed milk from the same vendor, as well as the health of the cattle and the farmers, remains unaffected.
This discrepancy underscores the complexity of the investigation, with officials awaiting test results to determine the exact cause of contamination. The incident raises serious concerns about food safety regulations and the oversight of unauthorized dairy operations in the region.
