A panel of doctors from Mahatma Gandhi Medical College (MGM), Indore, has attributed at least 15 deaths in the city’s Bhagirathpura area to contaminated drinking water, amid a recent outbreak of diarrhoea and vomiting. The findings, submitted to the Madhya Pradesh state government on Tuesday, come after widespread confusion over the actual toll of the outbreak, which began on December 29, 2025.

While the state health department has officially recorded six deaths, residents and local sources have claimed that the number is far higher. In an effort to provide relief, the state administration has distributed ₹2 lakh in compensation to 18 affected families, stating that the move is intended to “help” those who lost loved ones.

Doctor Panel Investigation

The panel, comprising Dr Suraj Sahu, Dr Akhilesh, Dr Himanshu, Dr Sanjay Dubey, and Dr Sunil Soni, analysed 21 deaths reported in connection with the outbreak. Their primary task was to determine how many fatalities could be directly linked to consumption of contaminated water. Based on their assessment, 15 deaths were connected to diarrhoea and related symptoms caused by unsafe water, according to Indore divisional commissioner Sudam Khade.

Of the remaining six cases, two are awaiting post-mortem reports, while the other four were attributed to unrelated causes such as kidney failure and cardiac arrest. The panel carried out a meticulous review of each case, using hospital treatment records, patient symptoms, medical history, and family-provided documents. A doctor from the panel noted that many victims had been cremated without post-mortem examinations, making precise cause-of-death determinations challenging. Consequently, the team relied solely on verified medical evidence to reach its conclusions.

Case Example: Bhagwan Bhame

One of the victims, 72-year-old Bhagwan Bhame, exemplifies the tragic sequence of events that unfolded. Bhame, a resident of Bhagirathpura, was first admitted to a private hospital late on December 30, after experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhoea. His condition rapidly worsened, leading to a heart attack, and he was referred to Bombay Hospital on January 3.

According to the hospital manager, Rahul Parashar, Bhame suffered a cardiac arrest upon arrival, underwent CPR, and was placed on a ventilator. He was also battling multiple organ failure, highlighting the severe complications that can arise from waterborne gastroenteritis.

Current Health Response

In response to the outbreak, the health department has intensified screening in the affected area. On Monday alone, 4,827 residents were screened, and 12 new patients with diarrhoea were reported at health facilities in Indore. Currently, 39 patients remain under treatment, including 10 in intensive care units (ICUs).

The state government has also coordinated with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which has submitted an investigation report on the Bhagirathpura outbreak to the National Health Mission in Bhopal. Details of the report have not yet been made public.

Public Concerns and Conflicting Claims

The outbreak has sparked concern among residents, with discrepancies between official figures and local accounts fueling anxiety. Families of victims and community members have expressed frustration, claiming that the official death toll underestimates the actual impact. Conflicts in documentation and statements posed challenges for the doctors’ panel, but the team emphasized that medical evidence formed the basis of their conclusions.

Commissioner Khade stressed that the state government is taking the situation seriously and has provided compensation to affected families. Health authorities have enhanced surveillance and treatment facilities, while urging residents to avoid drinking unsafe water and to report symptoms early.

Broader Context

The Bhagirathpura outbreak underscores persistent challenges in ensuring safe drinking water supply in urban areas of India. Contaminated water remains a significant public health risk, often triggering gastrointestinal illnesses, dehydration, and complications that can prove fatal, especially among the elderly and vulnerable populations.

Experts stress the need for improved water quality monitoring, regular sanitation checks, and rapid response mechanisms to contain outbreaks before they escalate. In Indore, municipal authorities are reportedly investigating the source of contamination and working to restore safe water supply to affected areas.

Conclusion

The official confirmation of 15 deaths linked to contaminated drinking water in Bhagirathpura highlights the serious public health implications of waterborne diseases. While the state health department continues treatment and screening efforts, families and residents await broader systemic solutions to prevent such tragedies in the future. The collaboration between medical experts, state authorities, and research institutions like ICMR will be crucial in both managing the current crisis and safeguarding the city against similar incidents.

The Bhagirathpura case is a reminder that public health infrastructure, rapid detection, and accurate reporting are essential to protecting lives from preventable waterborne diseases.