Badhal village in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district has been declared a containment zone following the unexplained deaths of 17 people, including 13 children, from three related families. Between December 7 and January 19, the families reported sudden fatalities under mysterious circumstances. Authorities have now sealed the homes of the affected families, divided the area into three zones, and imposed strict restrictions on gatherings to prevent further incidents.

During his visit to the village on Tuesday, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah assured residents of an ongoing investigation, with assistance from a team sent by the Centre. “The joint efforts of the civil administration, police, and the government of India are aimed at uncovering the cause of this tragedy,” he said. Authorities have also barred residents from drawing water from a local spring and discouraged participation in community feasts as precautionary measures.

Medical experts suspect neurotoxins to be the cause of the fatalities but have yet to identify the source. Despite extensive testing, no definitive explanation has emerged, leaving residents in fear and uncertainty. With the containment measures in place and investigations intensifying, officials aim to prevent further casualties while providing clarity on this alarming health crisis.