13 Dead in East Godavari Suspected Adulterated Milk Tragedy
A tragic incident involving the consumption of suspected adulterated milk in East Godavari district has left 13 people dead, according to health officials on Thursday. Currently, seven individuals are receiving treatment at hospitals in Rajamahendravaram , and doctors are closely monitoring their health.
Incident traced back to February 22
According to the Health Department, the incident first surfaced on February 22 , when several elderly residents from Chowdeshwaranagar and Swaroopanagar in the Lalacheru area were admitted to hospitals after falling seriously ill. The patients reported symptoms such as anuria (absence of urine output), vomiting, abdominal pain, and severe kidney damage. In some critical cases, doctors had to administer dialysis to stabilize the patients.
As all the affected individuals belonged to the same locality, authorities initiated an inquiry. Preliminary investigations indicated that the illness may have been caused by the consumption of contaminated milk. Blood tests revealed elevated levels of blood urea and serum creatinine, suggesting the presence of toxic substances in the body.
Officials later found that the milk had been supplied by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy, located in Narasapuram village of Korukonda mandal . The dairy reportedly distributed milk to around 106 households in the area. Following the discovery, authorities immediately suspended milk supply in the affected localities.
To support residents in the impacted areas, the government has established emergency medical camps where doctors, nurses, and ambulance services are available 24 hours a day. Special arrangements have also been made to shift patients to hospitals without delay.
The district administration has constituted a Rapid Response Team to conduct a thorough investigation. The team includes the District Surveillance Officer, medical specialists, microbiologists, pediatricians, forensic experts, epidemiologists, and nephrologists who are working together to determine the exact cause of the incident.
Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department has begun a parallel investigation. Officials inspected the dairy facility and collected samples of milk, paneer, ghee, drinking water, and vinegar. These samples have been sent to laboratories at JNTU in Kakinada and Vimta Labs in Hyderabad for microbiological, chemical, and toxicological analysis. In addition, blood and urine samples of the affected individuals have been forwarded for detailed toxicology testing.
The Clues Team and forensic experts also visited the site to gather evidence. Post-mortem samples from the deceased have been sent to the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Vijayawada . Police are simultaneously tracing the milk distribution network to identify whether more people may have consumed the contaminated supply.
The Animal Husbandry Department has also stepped in, deploying a team of four veterinary doctors who collected 41 milk samples, along with samples of cattle feed and water. These have been sent to the Veterinary Biological Research Institute in Vijayawada for further examination.
In connection with the case, police have taken Addala Ganeswara Rao ( 33 ), a resident of Narasapuram village , into custody as the main suspect. Authorities have also sealed the dairy unit linked to the milk supply.
Police have registered a case under BNSS Section 194 and CrPC Section 174 and are continuing the probe. Investigators are now focusing on identifying the adulterants used, how they entered the milk supply, and the extent of the impact on households in the area.