The residents of Bhagirathpura in Indore are demanding strict legal action after a tragic incident where contaminated drinking water claimed ten lives. The community has pointed fingers at a toilet attached to a local police outpost, alleging its faulty construction led to the fatal sewage seepage into the water supply.
Source of the Contamination Identified
On December 29, following reports of deaths and hospitalizations, officials from the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) conducted an inspection. They made a shocking discovery: the toilet behind the Bhagirathpura police outpost was built without a proper septic tank. Instead, its waste line drained directly into a pit that was situated right above the main drinking water pipeline.
This critical flaw allowed sewage to seep into the potable water network, contaminating the supply for a significant number of households. Former IMC commissioner Dileep Yadav confirmed that initial seepage was detected behind the outpost, marking it as a primary point of contamination. The problematic toilet was subsequently demolished.
Community Outrage and Demand for Justice
The devastating loss of life has sparked anger and fear among the locals. Ashok Pathi, a resident, expressed the community's shock, questioning how negligence in constructing a police toilet could lead to such a catastrophe. Residents are now vociferously demanding that a case of culpable homicide be registered against the responsible contractor, though officials have indicated tracking down the original builder may be challenging.
Ramesh Verma, another Bhagirathpura local, highlighted the pervasive fear, stating that the water they once trusted has now turned fatal. Meena Jain echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for long-term safeguards and accountability to prevent a recurrence. "We are still worried every time we turn on the tap," she said.
Ongoing Investigations and Official Response
Authorities have launched a multi-pronged investigation into the incident. DCP Rajesh Vyas stated that police have created a record of the deaths and are actively investigating. Soil samples from behind the police outpost and water samples from the homes of the deceased have been collected for forensic examination.
"Currently, it is just suspected that seepage from the outpost bathroom was the main cause of contamination which caused deaths. Once it is established, strict actions will be taken against those responsible," Vyas assured. The collected samples have been sent to MGM Medical College for detailed laboratory analysis.
Meanwhile, officials are also examining how the construction was permitted without necessary safeguards and whether there were lapses in oversight. The police outpost itself, as explained by Banganga police, was built in 2003 with local contributions on public garden land following a rise in crime in the area.
The tragedy in Bhagirathpura has exposed a grave lapse in public health infrastructure, leaving a community in mourning and demanding answers and action to secure their fundamental right to safe water.
