Indore Water Contamination: Death Toll Rises To 9, Over 1,400 Affected

Officials reported that approximately 1,400 residents became ill due to contaminated water, noting that no patient is presently in serious condition.

The death toll in Indore’s contaminated water crisis has risen to nine, according to a report by The Times of India. Around 200 people have been admitted to hospitals so far, while nearly 1,400 people became ill due to contaminated water, officials said, adding that none of the patients is currently in serious condition.

However, the exact number of casualties remains contested. While the state government has officially confirmed seven deaths, reports suggest the toll could be higher, with up to 14 people suspected to have died between December 21, 2025, and January 1, 2026, IANS reported.

Madhya Pradesh Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya said, "Instructions have been given to first fix all the water problems that arise in the city. I am just coming from Bhagirthpura, and patients are continuously arriving there. From yesterday to the day before, 200 people were admitted. A total of 1400 people are infected. No patient is serious. We are focusing on ensuring that people get good treatment." 

Among the deceased is a six-month-old infant, born to his parents after a decade-long wait. The grieving family alleged that the child fell fatally ill after consuming polluted water supplied to their locality. Sunil Sahu, the child’s father, said his son developed diarrhoea after drinking contaminated water and was taken for medical treatment. Sunil Sahu, the child’s father, said his 6-month-old son fell ill with diarrhea after drinking contaminated water. Sahu claimed that despite treatment, the baby’s condition worsened at night with high fever and vomiting and the child died at home on December 29.

"He had diarrhoea and fever. We took him to the doctor. The doctor gave him medicine. We brought him home. Suddenly, at night, he developed a very high fever. He vomited, and he died at home on the 29th. I have a daughter, and this son was born 10 years later. He was 6 months old," the bereaved father said.

Another victim’s family echoed similar concerns. Sudha Pal said her father died on the 30th after suffering from severe diarrhoea and vomiting, which she claimed were directly caused by contaminated water consumption. She stressed that he had no heart attack or prior illness.

"My father passed away on the 30th. He died due to diarrhoea and vomiting. He didn't have a heart attack or any other illness. It was solely due to diarrhoea and vomiting. He was in such a bad condition that he couldn't even stand on his own... Many people fell ill. The water smelled bad; we thought maybe some medicine had been mixed into it," she said.

CM Mohan Yadav Visits Hospitalised Patients

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav personally visited hospitalized patients on Wednesday.

Compensation Announced For Victims Families

The government has announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh for families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for all affected residents.

Officials Suspended, Probe Committee Formed

Meanwhile, administrative action has been initiated against officials linked to the incident. Zonal Officer Shaligram Sitole and Assistant Engineer Yogesh Joshi have been suspended, while In-charge Sub-Engineer (PHE) Shubham Shrivastava has been terminated from service.

A three-member investigation committee headed by IAS officer Navjeevan Panwar has been constituted to probe the contamination. The panel also includes Superintendent Engineer Pradeep Nigam and Dr Shailesh Rai, Associate Professor at the Medical College, and will conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.