Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir are investigating the deaths of 17 people due to a mysterious illness affecting the nervous system in Badal village in Rajouri district. Over 200 people who came in contact with the affected families have been quarantined as a precautionary measure. Four patients, including three sisters, were airlifted to hospitals, while one stable patient was sent to PGI in Chandigarh for further treatment.

Taking strict measures to control the spread, the local authorities have declared Badal village a containment zone. All public gatherings have been banned, and the houses of the deceased families have been sealed. A secondary zone is monitoring families who have had direct contact, while a tertiary zone includes all villagers.

Health officials have identified brain and nervous system damage as a common factor among the victims. A central investigation team is testing over 230 samples to determine the cause, while a special investigation team (SIT) is probing a criminal case after nerve agents were found in the samples of the deceased.

Criticising the handling of patients at the Jammu Government Medical College and demanding immediate improvement in healthcare services in the region, MLA Javed Iqbal Chowdhury has called for a medical emergency to address the crisis.