Madhya Pradesh minister Kailash Vijayvargiya has admitted administrative lapses in the contaminated drinking water incident in Indore, which has claimed seven lives so far. He said strict action will be taken against all guilty officials, regardless of their rank.
The deaths occurred in the Bhagirthpura area after residents consumed polluted water. Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargava confirmed that seven people have died within a week. More than 1,100 residents have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea, while 111 patients are currently hospitalised.
Speaking to reporters, Vijayvargiya said the priority is to ensure all patients recover. He acknowledged that mistakes had occurred but added that accountability would follow once medical and administrative investigations are completed.
He stated that no official involved in the lapse would be spared, even if they hold senior positions. However, he refrained from commenting on the exact death count, saying doctors and authorities would finalise figures after verification.
Municipal Commissioner Dilip Kumar Yadav revealed that a leakage was found in the main water supply pipeline, with a toilet constructed above it. This is suspected to be the source of contamination.
Following Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s instructions, a zonal officer and an assistant engineer were suspended, while a sub-engineer was dismissed. A three-member probe committee led by an IAS officer has been formed.
