Indore Tragedy: 14 Dead, Hundreds Ill from Contaminated Water in Bhagirathpura
A public health catastrophe has unfolded in Bhagirathpura, Indore, where contaminated tap water has led to the deaths of 14 residents and the hospitalisation of over 200 others. The tragedy, which began as 2025 drew to a close, saw people falling critically ill with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhoea, and severe weakness.
Among the deceased is six-month-old Avyan Sahu, whose family claims their repeated concerns about foul-smelling, dirty water were disregarded by authorities for weeks. Investigations have revealed several critical lapses, including a leakage in the main water pipeline in Bhagirathpura and a newly constructed toilet dumping waste directly into a pit located above the water supply line.
Improper waste management, lacking a septic tank, is believed to have caused sewage to mix with the drinking water. This contamination occurred near the main line, affecting a wide area. Residents allege that their complaints to local authorities were met with inaction, prompting protests and outrage.