Over 30 residents of Tiruchirappalli district of Tamil Nadu have been hospitalised, and two people—including a young child—have died after consuming drinking water contaminated with sewage, a local said. The incident has sparked outrage among residents, who blame municipal negligence and are demanding urgent medical aid and accountability from authorities.
A 4-year-old girl was among the victims who fell seriously ill and later died. Residents claim the contamination stems from sewage mixing with the drinking water supply, a concern repeatedly raised but allegedly ignored by the municipal corporation.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the infant died due to an allergic reaction, possibly triggered by a traditional method of disinfection and recitation therapy. It is also suspected that the large gathering of people during regular festivals in the area, along with the food served at the Annadanam programmes, may have caused an allergic reaction, leading to vomiting and diarrhoea.
As a precautionary measure, the water supply has been stopped, and water is being temporarily provided through Corporation vehicles. Corporation staff are inspecting the water pipeline to check for leakage. Samples have been collected from six locations and sent for analysis.