A milk vendor was taken into custody on Sunday after a 75-year-old woman from Rajahmundry died following suspected anuria, prompting concerns over alleged milk adulteration in parts of East Godavari district.
The deceased, T Krishnaveni from Lalacheruvu in Rajahmundry, was initially admitted to the Government General Hospital (GGH), Rajahmundry on February 18 with symptoms of vomiting and urinary obstruction. As her lab reports were abnormal, she was shifted to the Government General Hospital, Kakinada, where she died on Sunday.
Multiple anuria cases raise alarm
Officials stated that four persons from Lalacheruvu and nearby areas have been hospitalised with similar symptoms of anuria. Locals alleged that the same milk vendor supplied milk to all affected families, raising suspicion of adulteration.
Police have launched an investigation, though authorities clarified that it is yet to be established whether the cases are directly linked to milk contamination.
Superintendent of GGH, Kakinada, Dr Komala said the exact cause of death would be confirmed only after the post-mortem. Superintendent of GGH, Rajahmundry, Dr P V V Satyanarayana also stated that they are awaiting the final report.
Health department forms rapid response team
According to district health officials, a surveillance inquiry has begun in Lalacheruvu and surrounding areas. As per the directions of Keerthi Chekuri, a rapid response team has been constituted to conduct a comprehensive epidemiological and clinical investigation.
Samples of food, water and other materials have been collected and sent for laboratory and forensic examination.
Meanwhile, the district health department remains on alert as authorities seek to determine whether adulterated milk or other factors triggered the sudden emergence of anuria cases.