Jammu: The death toll in Budhal village of Rajouri district, Jammu and Kashmir, has risen to 16 after a 60-year-old woman succumbed to a mysterious illness on Friday at GMC Rajouri. This marks yet another fatality linked to the unexplained health crisis gripping the area.
An official said that the 60-year-old woman was shifted to GMC Rajouri after falling ill yesterday evening.
The deceased, identified as Jatti Begum, 60, wife of Mohammad Yousuf, succumbed to her condition within 12 hours of admission at GMC Rajouri, the official said.
Mohammad Yousuf is also among the persons affected by the unexplained illness and is battling for his life at the hospital.
Authorities are continuing their efforts to address the situation and assist the affected families.
The first death was reported on 7th December after a family of seven fell ill following attendance at a function, with the illness predominantly affecting children and resulting in five fatalities.
On December 12, 2024, a family of nine was affected, leading to three deaths. The third incident occurred on January 12, 2025, involving a family of ten who fell ill after consuming another community meal, with six children requiring hospitalization.
While J&K’s health minister Sakina Itoo has ruled out that the deaths have been caused by any kind of virus or infection, police have formed 11-member Special Investigation Team to probe these mysterious deaths.
