Amaravati, March 12: The death toll related to contaminated milk in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajahmundry has tragically risen to 13. A 60-year-old woman, Bhandaru Veeralakshmi, succumbed to severe kidney failure while receiving treatment in the hospital.
The woman was admitted on February 16 after reportedly consuming adulterated milk. Currently, seven individuals, including three infants, are still battling severe kidney failure. Residents of Chodavaranagar and Swaroopnagar fell ill after consuming the tainted milk supplied by the same vendor.
According to East Godavari District Collector Krithi Chekuri, 20 people experienced severe kidney failure after ingesting milk contaminated with ethylene glycol. The collector noted that some individuals who consumed the adulterated milk were hospitalized due to urinary obstruction and kidney-related issues.
The case came to light when 76-year-old Tadi Krishnaveni died during treatment at Kakinada Government Hospital on February 22. Following a report from the deceased’s son, a case was registered at the Rajahmundry Town Police Station.
Investigators sent blood samples from the victims, along with samples of the contaminated milk and yogurt, to forensic laboratories for analysis. The inquiry revealed that Ganeshwar Rao, 37, collected milk from 43 farmers in Narasapuram and stored it in a two-container freezer at his home. He later supplied this milk to residents of Chodavaranagar and Swaroopnagar.
Customers complained about a bitter taste in the milk, prompting the vendor to repair a leak in the freezer at a local workshop. Reports from five forensic labs confirmed that the deaths were caused by severe kidney failure due to the consumption of toxic ethylene glycol present in the adulterated milk. Ganeshwar has since been arrested and placed in judicial custody.
Arpit Soni has had a passion for journalism since the beginning. Now he has turned this hobby into his profession. Arpit, who is a resident of Udaipur, enjoys editing and writing news related to journalism. He has worked as a Senior Content Producer in several important roles at Bhaskar, Patrika, Pratahkal, Punjab Kesari, and Times. Arpit completed his schooling in Udaipur and Jaipur. He has been working in the media industry for more than 10 years, and his journey is still continuing. ✍️📚
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