A high-level inter-ministerial team led by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has reached Budhal village in Rajouri, where 17 people have died in the last 50 days. According to an official, the team was accompanied by experts from some of India's most reputable institutions. The team engaged with residents and officials, collecting samples for thorough analysis.

The investigation team included specialists from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers, and the Ministry of Water Resources. Experts from animal husbandry, food safety, and forensic science laboratories were also part of the team. The team received support from the Deputy Commissioner of Rajouri, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Rajouri, and other senior officials. The primary goal of the experts is to identify the cause of the deaths and manage the situation effectively.

Jammu and Kashmir's Health Minister Sakina Itoo stated that no virus or infection has been identified as the cause of the deaths. She explained that tests conducted at leading laboratories showed the presence of neurotoxins, which have caused brain damage. The government has sent these samples for further investigation to determine the specific toxin responsible, as over 800 potential poisons are under consideration.

A local water spring used by about 15 families, including three directly affected families, has been sealed after traces of pesticides and insecticides were detected in the water. Union Home Minister Amit Shah ordered the formation of an inter-ministerial team on Saturday following reports of three unexplained deaths in the village.

At the same time, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have set up an 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the matter. Locals have expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s initial response, accusing the authorities of being negligent until multiple deaths occurred. MLA of Budhal, Javed Iqbal Choudhary, stated that the government initially suspected the first death was caused by food poisoning, only taking the matter seriously after the second fatality.

"Three related families suffered the most as they lost a majority of their members," Choudhary said. He reassured the residents that the government is now fully committed to the investigation.

The MLA mentioned that no new illnesses have been reported in the village, and the situation is controlled. He encouraged locals to remain patient as the investigation continues.

The government has promised to speed up the process and identify the cause of the deaths as soon as possible.