Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have imposed a ban on the use of a local spring and community feasts in Budhal village, located in the Rajouri district, following a series of mysterious deaths. Since December 7, 2024, 17 people, including 12 children, have died across three families, with at least 28 others affected by an unexplained illness.
In an effort to prevent further deaths, the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kotranka has instructed local authorities to ensure that residents refrain from using water from a spring that has recently tested positive for pesticides and insecticides. The Tehsildar of Khawas has been directed to enforce the ban, and security personnel have been stationed at the site to prevent further water collection.
Additionally, the local administration has issued an order prohibiting community feasts in the village until the cause of the deaths is determined. Authorities have stressed that this restriction will remain in place until further notice.
Medical experts have suggested that neurotoxins could be responsible for the fatalities, but extensive tests have yet to reveal the exact cause. To investigate the issue further, the Ministry of Home Affairs has deployed a high-level inter-ministerial team to Budhal, while the Jammu and Kashmir government has established a special investigation team to monitor the situation and gather evidence.
The village is under close scrutiny as authorities work to identify the source of the deaths, and the community remains on alert.