Adulterated milk tragedy worsens.. Three more die

The adulterated milk incident in Rajamahendravaram has become even more tragic. While two have already died, Radhakrishnamurthy (74), N. Seshagiri Rao (72) and Tadi Ramani (58) passed away while undergoing treatment on Monday. The police have almost confirmed that the coolant chemical ethylene glycol was mixed in the milk at an unofficially run milk center. Milk trader Ganesh has been arrested and four murder cases have been registered against him. While announcing a compensation of Rs. 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, the CM said that the government will fully bear the treatment expenses of the victims. Currently, 12 people are undergoing treatment in hospitals, 8 of whom are in critical condition.

To find out the source of the incident, blood samples were collected from 64 families and sent for forensic tests. Blood, urine and milk samples were sent to laboratories in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada and Hyderabad. It is likely to take three to a week to get the results. Senior officials are visiting the affected areas to review the situation. There is concern among locals as many people, including children, are receiving treatment for serious illnesses.