Fresh findings suggest pesticide compounds and elevated cadmium levels may be linked to the deaths of 17 people in a remote village in Rajouri district.
A high-level inter-ministerial team conducted a six-hour investigation in Badhaal village, Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, to ascertain the causes of death of 17 members of three families under mysterious circumstances. The team, led by a director-rank officer in the Union Ministry of Home Affairs, collected samples and briefed by senior district, health and police officers. The team's visit follows the deaths of 16 people between December 7 and January 19. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities focusing on potential neurotoxins and a spring that tested positive for pesticides.
A policeman was also injured in the gunfight that broke out in Bajaad village in the Gandoh area around 9:50 am.
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