The death toll in the tragic milk adulteration incident in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, has risen to 16 after two more victims, both children, succumbed on Friday night, officials confirmed. The incident, which first came to light on February 16, continues to cast a shadow over the city as several victims remain in critical condition despite intensive medical treatment.
According to officials, the two latest victims have been identified as Manohar (6) and Jaikruth Raj (3). Their deaths have deeply saddened the local community, already shaken by the scale of the tragedy.
Five more patients are currently undergoing treatment in various hospitals. Among them are a five-month-old infant and a two-year-old child. Doctors said all the patients are in emergency wards, placed on ventilator support and undergoing dialysis due to severe organ damage caused by the toxic substance.
Medical experts revealed that the poisonous chemical had already caused irreversible damage to vital organs, making treatment extremely difficult. Tests conducted by health authorities confirmed that the contamination involved ethylene glycol, a highly toxic chemical.
Police have arrested the milk supplier, identified as Ganeswara Rao from Narsapuram in Korukonda mandal, who allegedly supplied the contaminated milk. The case came to light after four members of the same family were admitted to hospital with severe symptoms, prompting doctors to investigate the cause.
Medical examinations showed serum creatinine levels ranging from 8 to 11 among the affected patients, indicating severe kidney damage. Treatment has been carried out under the supervision of noted nephrologist Raviraj, while specialists from Hyderabad also visited the hospitals to review the cases and suggest treatment measures.
Officials said that nearly 65 milk vendors from surrounding areas supply milk to Rajamahendravaram city. The adulteration scandal has severely affected the local milk trade, raising serious concerns about food safety and monitoring of the supply chain.
Authorities have now stressed the need for stronger monitoring mechanisms and stricter food safety checks to prevent such incidents in the future. Experts have also called for public awareness campaigns to educate consumers on identifying adulterated milk and reporting suspicious products.
The incident has triggered widespread outrage among residents, who are demanding stringent action against those responsible for the adulteration that has claimed several innocent lives.
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