Unable to pinpoint the cause behind the mysterious deaths of 17 people in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, authorities on Wednesday declared Budhaal village as a containment zone under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). The District Magistrate of Rajouri issued the containment order following recent health concerns in the area. Acting under Section 163 of the BNSS Act (formerly Section 144 of the CrPC), stringent measures have been enforced to ensure public safety and prevent further spread of potential health threats.
As part of the containment efforts, the homes of affected families have been sealed, and the village has been divided into three zones for better management. Public and private gatherings have been banned, and designated officials are overseeing the preparation and distribution of meals to families within the containment area. The administration has assured residents that further updates will be provided as the situation develops. Since December 8, 2024, at least 17 locals, including 11 children, have lost their lives in Budhaal village, which is part of the Kotranka sub-division in Rajouri district. The most recent death occurred on January 17. Locals have attributed the deaths to a mysterious illness, though samples analyzed at premier laboratories have returned negative results for viral or bacterial infections, although some toxins were found in the victims’ samples.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the village on Tuesday, extending his condolences and assuring residents that the cause of the deaths would be identified soon. The health department has screened 3,500 individuals, including residents of Budhaal and neighboring villages, with no viral or bacterial infections confirmed. An inter-ministerial team, formed under the direction of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, is currently in the village to investigate the exact cause of the mysterious illness.
