New Delhi, Jan 1 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has requested a report from the Madhya Pradesh government within a two-week timeframe concerning a media report that claims seven fatalities and 40 hospitalizations due to contaminated water in Indore district, according to an official statement released on Thursday.

Following a suo motu cognizance of a Wednesday media article regarding the reported deaths linked to water contamination in the Bhagirathpura locality of Indore district, the NHRC has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary demanding a comprehensive report on the incident.

Residents had reportedly raised concerns about the supply of tainted water for several days, but authorities failed to take appropriate action.

The Commission highlighted in its notice that if the claims made in the news report are accurate, they point to significant violations of the human rights of those affected.

According to the media report published on December 31, 2025, the primary pipeline supplying drinking water to the region is situated beneath a public toilet.

“A leakage in the main line has led to sewage water allegedly mixing with the drinking water. Additionally, several water distribution lines were discovered to be broken, resulting in contaminated water reaching households,” stated the NHRC notice.

The situation took on a political dimension when Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari called for the immediate resignation of “ill-mannered ministers” on ethical grounds.

Patwari claimed victims were neither receiving free medical care nor empathy, while ministers exhibited “arrogance and misconduct” towards journalists.

Anger spread across social media, amplifying demands for accountability, as over 2,000 residents suffered from severe vomiting and diarrhea.

This crisis, linked to a leak in the main Narmada water supply pipeline exacerbated by a toilet constructed above it, has revealed significant administrative failings in what is often referred to as India’s “cleanest city.”

Madhya Pradesh Urban Development Minister and local MLA Kailash Vijayvargiya, representing the affected area, faced considerable backlash following a heated exchange with the media on Wednesday.

When questioned by an NDTV journalist regarding accountability beyond junior officials and the lack of free treatment for victims, Minister Vijayvargiya dismissively responded, reportedly using phrases like “don’t ask useless questions” along with inappropriate language on camera.

The incident quickly gained traction, receiving widespread condemnation for crossing the “limits of decency.”

In response, Vijayvargiya later issued an apology on X, stating: “My team and I have been working tirelessly without rest for two days to rectify the situation. I deeply regret my words that were inadequately expressed in response to a media inquiry.”