Rajamahendravaram Milk Tragedy: Death Toll Rises to Four as Adulteration Fears Mount

Rajamahendravaram, Feb 23: The Andhra Pradesh government has officially confirmed that the death toll in the Rajamahendravaram adulterated milk tragedy has risen to four as of Monday morning. The incident, which primarily affected the Laala Cheruvu, Chowdeswari Nagar, and Swaroop Nagar areas, has left the local community in a state of shock following reports of acute renal failure among several residents.

The victims, including 75-year-old T. Krishnaveni and 70-year-old Kanakaratnam, along with two other elderly residents whose deaths were confirmed by the state government today, all exhibited symptoms of anuria—a total cessation of urine production. Preliminary medical investigations at GGH Kakinada and KIMS Rajahmundry suggest that the sudden kidney distress was triggered by chemical poisoning rather than a biological infection. Currently, approximately 12 other individuals remain hospitalized, with some receiving specialized care at SVIMS and other tertiary centers.

Local police have taken a milk vendor from Korukonda mandal into custody following allegations that all the affected families purchased milk from his supply. Investigating teams are focusing on whether harmful additives like urea, detergents, or other synthetic preservation chemicals were mixed into the milk to increase its volume or shelf life. Food safety officials have collected samples of milk, curd, and household water from the victims’ residences for immediate forensic analysis.

District Collector Kirthi Chekuri and Health Commissioner G. Veerapandian have deployed Rapid Response Teams to conduct a door-to-door survey in the affected colonies. Special medical camps have been established to monitor any residents showing early signs of nausea, vomiting, or urinary difficulties. In light of the tragedy, the state government has ordered a rigorous crackdown on loose milk vendors across the district to prevent further casualties.

“The loss of four lives is a grave matter. We are awaiting the final forensic lab reports to identify the exact contaminant, and the most stringent legal action will be taken against those responsible for this criminal negligence,” a senior government spokesperson stated on Monday.

Authorities have cautioned the public against consuming milk from unverified or local private vendors in the Rajamahendravaram region until the safety of the supply chain is fully restored and verified.