A 50-year-old e-rickshaw driver died in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, with his family alleging that contaminated drinking water triggered a diarrhoea outbreak that led to his death. The incident has intensified public anger amid conflicting claims over the death toll linked to the health crisis.

Family alleges contaminated water caused death

The deceased, Hemant Gaikwad, succumbed on Tuesday night while undergoing treatment at a private hospital after battling severe diarrhoea for nearly 15 days. As his funeral procession passed through Bhagirathpura on Wednesday, grieving family members struggled to come to terms with the loss.

His younger brother Sanjay said Hemant was the sole breadwinner for the family. “My brother died because of contaminated water. Our family is financially weak, and the government must provide assistance. Those responsible must be punished,” he said.

Hemant is survived by his mother, wife, and four daughters.

Residents report long-standing water issues

Family members and residents alleged that Bhagirathpura has been facing contaminated water supply for nearly two years. Despite repeated complaints to the Indore Municipal Corporation, the issue remained unresolved, they claimed.

Hemant’s daughter Riya said her father’s condition deteriorated rapidly despite hospital treatment, leading to his death.

Conflicting death toll figures

While local residents claim that the outbreak has claimed at least 25 lives so far, a status report submitted by the Madhya Pradesh government to the Madhya Pradesh High Court on January 15 mentioned seven deaths, including that of a five-month-old infant.

However, a recent death audit report prepared by a committee from Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Medical College indicated that 15 deaths in Bhagirathpura may be linked to the outbreak.

Cause traced to E. coli contamination

Officials said contaminated water was detected in 51 tube wells in the area, with tests confirming the presence of E. coli bacteria. A leakage in a municipal drinking water pipeline reportedly led to sewage contamination from a nearby toilet.

The outbreak began late last month, prompting health authorities to step up monitoring and treatment efforts.