In a tragic turn of events, the number of deaths due to allegedly adulterated milk consumption in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajamahendravaram town has risen to 16 on March 23rd. Preliminary laboratory findings suggest that the victims succumbed to multi-organ failure, with the causes traced back to acute renal failure caused by ethylene glycol found in the milk.
Three individuals are currently receiving medical attention at local hospitals following similar health complications that emerged in mid-February. Symptoms included severe vomiting, abdominal pain, anuria, and acute renal dysfunction. The affected residents had consumed milk from vendors operating in Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas of the town. By February 24th, four lives had been lost, with several more undergoing treatment.
Residents have reported that symptoms of renal failure began a day after the Maha Shivratri festival on February 15th. At the time, District Collector Kirthi Chekuri informed that all deceased and ill individuals hailed from the same areas of Rajamahendravaram, as they had consumed milk supplied by the same vendor who has since been taken into custody.
It is understood that the milk was procured from over 40 dairy farmers, with supplies reaching more than 100 families in the region. Samples have been collected from 75 families and have been sent for forensic tests, according to the chief minister’s office on February 23rd. The fodder given to cattle is also subjected to scrutiny as part of the ongoing investigation.
