Indore: The Sahu family’s decade-long prayers for a child ended in tragedy when their six-month-old son, Avyan, died last week after consuming milk prepared with contaminated municipal water, highlighting the human cost of the ongoing water crisis in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area.

Avyan passed away on December 29, according to the family. Speaking to PTI, his grandmother, Krishna Sahu, said the family has refused to accept any compensation from the state government. “We have not taken any compensation so far. Our child is gone. Will money bring him back to life? A child is more precious than anything,” she said, breaking down.

The incident comes amid reports that at least 15 people have died due to a vomiting and diarrhoea outbreak caused by contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura over the past few days. However, the health department has officially confirmed only four deaths and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Krishna Sahu recounted the family’s long wait for Avyan’s birth and their prayers at the Hussain Tekri Dargah, saying, “My prayers were answered, but I never imagined that the baby would leave us so soon.” She added that Avyan had been healthy and had gained five kilograms, playing happily in his mother’s lap before suddenly falling ill with diarrhoea. Despite home medication on a doctor’s advice, his condition worsened, and he was declared dead at the hospital.

Due to insufficient breast milk, Avyan had been fed packaged milk and milk powder mixed with municipal tap water. Krishna Sahu alleged that the contaminated water proved fatal for the infant. Neighbour Anita Sen said the tragedy had left local families terrified, adding, “I have a month-old girl, a four-year-old, and a 10-year-old at home. Now the government must ensure that no mother loses her child because of contaminated water.”

Over the past nine days, more than 1,400 people in Bhagirathpura have been affected by vomiting and diarrhoea. The health department reported that 272 patients had been admitted to hospitals in the area by Thursday, with 71 discharged. At least 32 patients remain in intensive care units undergoing treatment.

The infant’s death underscores the urgent need for safe drinking water and effective preventive measures in Indore, as families in affected areas grapple with fear, grief, and uncertainty. The tragedy has intensified public scrutiny of municipal water management and raised questions about accountability in preventing such health crises.