By: Ulfat Nazir

A devastating health crisis has gripped Badhaal village in Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, leaving the community in shock and grief. Since December 2024, 17 residents, mostly children, have tragically lost their lives to a mysterious illness. The incident has raised grave concerns and prompted urgent intervention from health experts and government authorities.

Unravelling the Cause

Initial investigations ruled out viral or bacterial infections as the cause. Experts have now turned their attention to toxic exposure, suspecting the presence of neurotoxins, particularly organophosphates—chemical compounds commonly used in pesticides.

A high-level inter-ministerial team, comprising officials from the Ministries of Home Affairs, Health, and Agriculture, was dispatched to Badhaal. Preliminary........

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