Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has expressed serious concern over a spate of heart attack-related deaths in Hassan district, where over 20 people reportedly died in the past month. Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, the CM noted the alarming trend and said that a possible link to the hastily rolled-out Covid vaccines “cannot be denied.”
This statement came a day after Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao initiated an inquiry into the deaths. A committee of experts, headed by Dr. Ravindranath from Jayadeva Institute, has been tasked with probing the causes. The panel is expected to submit its report within 10 days.
Siddaramaiah revealed that this same committee was earlier instructed in February to examine the rise in sudden deaths among young people and explore whether Covid vaccines had any adverse effects. The ongoing study also includes detailed examinations of heart patients.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment, the CM said the root cause will be identified and addressed. He also criticized the BJP for attempting to politicize the issue. “Before BJP criticizes us, they should question their conscience. Even international studies have hinted at potential links between vaccines and increased cardiac incidents,” he stated.
Health Minister Rao also emphasized the need for global research on the issue, calling the spike in heart attacks a matter of international concern and not limited to Karnataka.