Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu, (DD) Legislators in the Jammu & Kashmir Assembly on Wednesday pressed for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the mysterious deaths in Budhal, Rajouri, after toxic substances were detected in collected samples.
During the Question Hour, MLA Budhal Javed Iqbal Choudhary strongly advocated for a CBI probe, claiming that the victims were deliberately poisoned. “Different toxins have been found in the samples. It appears they were poisoned with a truckload of toxins,” he alleged, suggesting a larger conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the region.
Supporting the demand, MLA Surankote Choudhary Muhammad Akram called for a deeper investigation, while CPI(M) MLA Muhammad Yosouf Tarigami expressed grave concern. “The invisible hands behind these deaths must be unmasked. What happened there today could happen anywhere tomorrow,” Tarigami warned.
Responding to the demands, Health & Medical Education Minister Sakina Ittoo stated, “We have done what we could. The Home Department is handling the investigation.” She confirmed that the deaths were not caused by any disease and that forensic analysis had revealed the presence of toxic substances.
A written statement from the minister disclosed that reports from PGIMER Chandigarh detected traces of aluminum and cadmium, while CFSL Chandigarh found chlorfenapyr in the viscera samples of all 17 deceased. Authorities continue to investigate the cause and motive behind the incident.(DD)