Indore water contamination: Inquiry panel issued public notice to seek evidence

An inquiry commission formed to investigate the deaths due to a diarrhoea outbreak caused by government-supplied water contamination has issued a public notice asking people to submit any evidence and documents related to the incident.

As per an official release, the panel headed by former State High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta has been formed to probe the tragedy that has claimed several lives in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area in December last year and January this year.

“As per the order of the Hon’ble Madhya Pradesh High Court, an Inquiry Commission has been constituted under the chairmanship of Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, former Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, to investigate the drinking water contamination in the Bhagirathpura area of ​​Indore and its resulting impact on public health and other affected areas,” the release said. 

The panel has been tasked with investigating the causes of water pollution, administrative negligence, action against responsible individuals, loss of life, medical effects, and remedial measures.

“In this regard, the Commission has issued a public notice requesting all affected citizens, family members, public representatives, doctors, hospitals, social organisations, contractors, government officials, or any other person having information, records, or evidence related to this case, such as complaints or applications related to drinking water contamination, medical records, hospital admission slips, discharge summaries, death certificates, photos/videos related to water pipeline leaks, sewage mixing or damage, tender documents related to water supply, work orders, inspection reports, or any other record or material relevant to the investigation to its office by February 28,” the statement said. 

The tragedy had come to light on December 29 last year and has impacted more than 3,000 people so far. While an audit report of government doctors has pegged the death toll at 15, the local reports say at least 33 people have so far died in the tragedy.