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

A commission of inquiry formed to investigate deaths caused by a diarrhea epidemic caused by government-supplied water pollution has issued a public notice asking people to provide any evidence and documents related to the incident.

According to an official statement, the panel, headed by former State High Court judge Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, was formed to investigate the tragedy that claimed the lives of many 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, a Commission of Inquiry has been constituted under the chairmanship of Justice Sushil Kumar Gupta, former Judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, to investigate the drinking water pollution in Bhagirathpura district of Indore and its impact on public health and other affected areas,” the statement said.

The panel was tasked with investigating the causes of water pollution, administrative negligence, actions against those responsible, losses of life, medical effects and remedial measures.

“In this regard, the Commission is a public requesting all affected citizens, family members, public representatives, doctors, hospitals, social organizations, contractors, government officials or any other person who has information, records or evidence relevant to this case, such as complaints or applications regarding drinking water contamination, medical records, hospital admission slips, discharge summaries, death certificates, water pipeline leaks, photographs/videos of sewage mixing or damage, tender documents related to water supply, work orders, inspection reports or other records.” In the statement, it was stated that materials related to the investigation should be forwarded to the office by February 28.

The tragedy unfolded on December 29 last year and has affected more than 3,000 people so far. While the government doctors’ audit report puts the death toll at 15, local reports say at least 33 people have died in the tragedy so far.