Indore, Jan 1 (NationPress) Residents of the Bhagirathpura slum in Indore are facing a severe outbreak of vomiting and diarrhoea attributed to polluted water. The Madhya Pradesh government has not yet disclosed precise figures regarding the fatalities.

Local reports indicate that the death toll may reach as high as 13, while official statements are limited to just four, causing distress among families and leaving authorities unable to provide a clear count.

In the meantime, new cases are still being reported, with over 50 individuals currently hospitalized and new admissions occurring on Thursday.

This crisis, escalating over the past week, underscores a significant gap between the situation on the ground and official reports.

From December 25 to 31, 2025, locals noted at least 12 deaths, including claims from two families as recent as Thursday.

The deceased include Arvind, son of Hiralal Kulkarni, and Shankar, both of whom died from severe vomiting and diarrhoea, according to local sources.

Despite these assertions, the district administration insists that only four deaths can be directly linked to the outbreak caused by contaminated water.

This lack of clarity has incited public outrage and political disputes.

Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jitu Patwari criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, stating, "Indore has consistently elected BJP MPs and MLAs, yet they have tainted Indore's water. Why does the Chief Minister claim only four deaths when there are reports of 13? Is he hiding the actual toll? We have formed a committee for an extensive investigation and demand one crore rupees in compensation for each victim's family. The Chief Minister must hold those responsible accountable."

In response to Patwari's accusations against the BJP-led state government, State Urban Administration Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya, who also serves as the local MLA, visited affected families on Thursday to distribute government relief cheques of Rs 2 lakh each.

However, this gesture met with resistance; a victim's family declined the assistance, expressing frustration over the government's inaction.

A viral video of the protest shows the Minister confronted by agitated residents who complained of receiving contaminated water for two years despite repeated complaints.

"If our complaints had been taken seriously earlier, many lives could have been saved," local women told Minister Vijayvargiya.

Vijayvargiya, who departed the scene on a scooter with BJP Corporator Kamal Waghela, later addressed the media regarding the death toll, stating, "Administration officials inform me that four fatalities have occurred due to this outbreak, but there are suggestions of eight or nine deaths in Bhagirathpura. We will verify this and, if confirmed, families of the deceased will receive compensation as promised by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav."

He added that around 200 individuals have been admitted to hospitals, with no immediate threats to life—one patient remains on a ventilator but is stable.

"Our mission is to preserve lives and provide extensive support. We are committed to aiding economically disadvantaged individuals, with assistance coming from both the government and the community," he stated.

The outbreak has prompted swift action from local authorities.

After initial reports of three fatalities and approximately 149 hospitalizations, Indore District Magistrate Shivam Verma and District Municipal Commissioner Dileep Kumar Yadav conducted an inspection of the area.

The municipal corporation has begun supplying clean water directly to households, and ambulances have been stationed for symptomatic residents, Minister Vijayvargiya confirmed.

Minister Vijayvargiya also convened a meeting with Indore Mayor Pushyamitra Bhargav and officials to tackle the water contamination issue.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has mandated an inquiry, assigning the Additional Chief Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department, Sanjay Dubey, to investigate.

Dubey inspected the Bhagirathpura slum on Thursday morning to evaluate the situation.

Doctors treating the affected have noted that those with weaker immune systems, including children and the elderly, have been particularly impacted.

Most cases involve manageable stomach infections, but the continual emergence of new infections highlights the ongoing risk.

As Indore, recognized as India's cleanest city, confronts this public health crisis, residents demand clarity and prompt action.

With no precise death count available and illnesses persisting, the state government's response remains under scrutiny, raising broader concerns about water quality management in urban slums.