A devastating public health crisis has struck the Bhagirathpura neighbourhood of Indore, Madhya Pradesh, claiming at least eight lives, including that of a six-month-old infant, after residents consumed drinking water contaminated with sewage. The incident, which began in late December 2025, has sparked grief and anger among locals who are holding the civic administration directly responsible for the fatalities.
A Decade's Hope Lost in a Tragedy
The youngest victim was a six-month-old boy, born to Sunil Sahu and his wife after a decade-long wait for a son. The infant died at home on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, after suffering from severe diarrhoea and a sudden high fever. "He was fine for two days after we took him to the doctor. Suddenly, at night, he developed a very high fever. He vomited and then died at home," a grief-stricken Sunil recounted.
The tragedy unfolded over several days, starting as isolated illnesses before escalating alarmingly. Most of those who died were reported to be in good health prior to their rapid deterioration. The common thread in all accounts from grieving families was the foul-smelling tap water supplied to the area in the preceding week.
Heartbreaking Accounts of the Victims
Among the deceased was 31-year-old Uma Kori. Her husband, Bihari Kori, had bought her jalebi on Sunday evening. However, by early Monday morning, she began vomiting. Her condition worsened rapidly, and she lost consciousness by 11 am. She died before reaching a private hospital while being transported on a motorcycle.
74-year-old Manjula Wadhe cooked dinner for her family on Monday night before falling ill around midnight. Her husband, Digambar Wadhe, cared for her through the night, but by morning her condition was critical. She was declared dead at Indore's MY Hospital. "The water in our locality has been bad for the past few days. The administration is responsible for my wife’s death," Digambar stated bluntly.
50-year-old Seema Prajapat started vomiting around 4 am on Monday and was rushed to the hospital by 9 am. She died five hours later. Her brother, Jitendra, confirmed she had no prior illness and echoed the community's complaint: "The water supplied to the area for the past week smelled of drainage."
70-year-old Urmila Yadav fell ill on Friday, December 26, after drinking tap water. "She developed severe diarrhoea. By the next day, she was gone," said her daughter-in-law, Chandrakala Yadav, adding that Urmila had mentioned the water tasted strange. Urmila died on Sunday morning in the ICU of Cloth Market Hospital.
The incident also claimed the life of 75-year-old Nandlal, who was admitted to Verma Hospital on Sunday and died on Tuesday morning. While initially attributed to a cardiac arrest, authorities later confirmed contaminated water was a factor. "We never imagined the water we drink every day could kill him," said his son, Sidharth.
Administration Under Fire and Aftermath
The scale of the illness was significant, with hundreds hospitalised due to the contaminated water. In response, the Indore Municipal Corporation deployed workers for a cleanliness drive in the affected Bhagirathpura area. However, for the bereaved families, this action came too late.
The prevailing sentiment in the neighbourhood is one of betrayal and anger. The direct accusation from residents like Digambar Wadhe – "The administration killed them" – underscores a severe breakdown in essential public service delivery. The incident raises serious questions about water supply monitoring and maintenance in the city, turning a basic civic necessity into a source of lethal danger.
As investigations continue, the city of Indore is left to mourn the avoidable loss of eight lives, a stark reminder of the critical importance of safe water and robust public health infrastructure.
