JAMMU: Aimed to address the growing public concerns about the deaths in Budhal village of Rajouri district, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that investigations are underway to ascertain the actual cause behind these unfortunate deaths. While speaking on the issue, Sakeena Itoo said that the entire team of health department visited the affected village and checked more than three thousand people door-to-door. She added that the teams collected samples of all kinds like water sample, food sample and other samples and sent the same for tests.

The Minister added that all the tests have been diagnosed negative. “All the sample tests that have been taken, whether it is water, food grains, rest of the things they used there including biscuits, whatever it is and all reports were found negative”, Sakeena Itoo said. She added that even all the influenza tests have also been diagnosed as negative. The Minister further said that the health department got some samples tested outside through national institutes like ICMR, National Institute of Virology, National Centre for Disease control, CSIR, DRDO, PGIMER Chandigarh and others and all reports were found negative.

The Minister further added that the deaths were among the three families in total living at a distance of one and a half kilometers from each other. She highlighted that during these 40 days, the health department kept all facilities available in the affected area like ambulances, medicines and other essential drugs to meet any exigency. “In 40 days, God forbid, a COVID disease comes, or some other infectious disease happens, it spreads. But there is no health-related issue found till date”, Sakeena said.

The Minister continued that the matter is under investigation now and the police department and district administration will investigate further what the real issue is. Sakeena Itoo also expressed deepest condolences with the families of the deceased and assured the public that the government is treating this matter with the utmost urgency and seriousness. “The well-being of our citizens is our top priority and we will leave no stone unturned in uncovering the root cause behind these tragic deaths”, the Minister maintained. She appealed the public to remain calm and extend full support to the district administration during investigation being carried out to ascertain the actual cause of deaths.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇