Andhra Pradesh Milk Adulteration Tragedy: 13 Dead
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Amaravati, March 12 (NationPress) The number of fatalities linked to milk adulteration in Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh, has tragically reached 13 after yet another individual died from acute renal failure at a medical facility, officials reported on Thursday. Bandaru Veeralaxmi, aged 60, passed away while receiving treatment, marking the latest addition to the death toll.
A resident of the Swaroopnagar locality, she was hospitalized on February 16 after allegedly consuming milk that had been contaminated. Currently, seven individuals, including three infants, remain in critical condition due to acute renal failure.
Residents from Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar areas reported falling ill after consuming the tainted milk supplied by the same vendor. East Godavari District Collector, Kirthi Chekuri, stated that approximately 20 people suffered acute renal failure after drinking milk adulterated with Ethylene Glycol.
The alarming incident came to light on February 22 when Tadi Krishnaveni, aged 76, died at Kakinada Government Hospital due to anuria (the inability to urinate). Following a report from her son, a case was filed at the Rajahmundry 3 Town Police Station under Section 194 of BNSS.
As part of the investigation, blood samples from the victims, along with the adulterated milk and curd provided to them, were sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and other forensic laboratories for analysis. The investigation revealed that Addala Ganeswara Rao, alias Ganesh, aged 37, had been gathering milk from 43 farmers in the vicinity of Narasapuram, storing it in a freezer at his residence before distributing it to residents in Chowdeswaranagar and Swaroopanagar.
Upon receiving complaints about the unpleasant taste of the milk, Ganesh noticed a leak in the freezer and had it repaired.
Based on findings from the FSL and RFSL labs, it was confirmed that the victims, including the deceased, succumbed to acute renal failure as a result of consuming milk laced with toxic Ethylene Glycol. Ganesh has since been arrested and placed in judicial custody.