Amaravati, March 9: The death toll from milk contamination in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, has tragically increased to 12. A 73-year-old woman succumbed to acute kidney failure while receiving treatment at a private hospital on Sunday.
Senapati Ramalakshmi, a resident of the Lalacheruvu area, was admitted to the hospital on February 16 after reportedly consuming adulterated milk.
Currently, nine individuals, including three children, are battling acute kidney failure. According to East Godavari District Collector Kirti Chekuri, nearly 20 people developed acute kidney failure after consuming milk laced with ethylene glycol.
On February 16, several individuals who drank the contaminated milk were hospitalized due to urinary obstruction and kidney-related issues.
The incident came to light on February 22 when Tadi Krishnaveni, 76, died while being treated for anuria (inability to urinate) at Kakinada Government Hospital. Relatives transporting the deceased from Kakinada to Rajahmundry discovered that several others were hospitalized for the same issue.
Following a complaint from the deceased’s son, a case was registered at Rajahmundry 3 Town Police Station under Section 194 of the B.N.S.S.
As part of the investigation, blood samples from the victims, the contaminated milk and yogurt supplied to them, and milk from Ganeshwar Rao’s Varalakshmi Milk Center in Narsapuram were sent to forensic laboratories for analysis.
The inquiry revealed that 37-year-old Ganeshwar Rao had been collecting milk from 43 farmers in the Narsapuram village area. He stored it in a two-container freezer at his home and later supplied it to residents in the Chowdeshwar Nagar and Swaroop Nagar areas of the city.
Some customers reported that the milk supplied on February 15 had a bitter taste, and they reiterated their complaints the following day. Upon inspection, Ganeshwar Rao discovered that the freezer was leaking and took it to a workshop in Rajahmundry for repairs. The leaking container and freezer walls were sealed with M-seal.
Based on five reports from the FSL and RFSL labs, along with the final opinion of a forensic assistant professor, it was determined that the deceased died from acute kidney failure caused by consuming toxic milk contaminated with ethylene glycol. Ganeshwar Rao has been arrested and placed under judicial remand.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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