Indore, Jan 08, 2026 – At least six people have died after allegedly consuming contaminated water in Bhagirathpura, Indore, leaving local families devastated and sparking confusion over the official death toll. The state administration on Tuesday distributed ₹2 lakh compensation cheques to 18 households, even as investigations continue to determine the exact cause and scale of the outbreak.

Among the grieving families is the Likhar household. 17-year-old Mehak Likhar recounted the sudden deterioration of her father, Arvind, a daily-wage labourer. “That evening he returned home, began vomiting, and his condition worsened until his death three days later. My father could have been saved if the administration had acted in time,” she said. Mehak added that while her family received compensation, the money could never bring her father back, and called for officials responsible to face justice. Her uncle, Anil Likhar, lamented, “Arvind was the only earning member of the family. Now how will we survive with just ₹2 lakh?”

The crisis first came to public attention on December 29, a day after a 60-year-old resident died following vomiting and diarrhoea. Subsequent water tests on January 3 revealed that tap water in Bhagirathpura contained a lethal mix of pathogens, including E. coli, Salmonella, Vibrio cholerae, along with viruses, fungi, and protozoa. Authorities confirmed that the polymicrobial contamination had caused multi-organ failure and sepsis among the victims.

Victims cut across age groups. Five-month-old Avyan Sahu died after his milk was diluted with contaminated water, leaving his father, Sunil Sahu, heartbroken. “We never knew water could kill. The ₹2 lakh compensation is not justice for my son’s life,” he said. Another grieving family includes Uma Kori, who fell ill on December 28 and died within 24 hours, leaving her husband Bihari Kori devastated.

Despite uncertainty over the total death count, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh instructed the administration to distribute compensation to all families recorded in municipal data, emphasizing that the government stands with victims regardless of statistics.

Local residents continue to mourn while grappling with the fear of further contamination. Jitendra Pajapat, whose sister Seema died, said, “Before we could understand anything, her condition worsened. Now her daughter is also ill—it’s very difficult to manage.”

Officials are continuing investigations, monitoring water quality, and reviewing public health measures in Bhagirathpura to prevent further tragedies. Families, however, remain critical of the administration’s delayed response, insisting that financial compensation can never replace the lives lost.