The Madhya Pradesh government on Tuesday night officially admitted that at least 15 people have died due to a diarrhoea outbreak linked to contaminated drinking water in parts of Indore. The revised figure came to light after a detailed study ordered by the state government and carried out by doctors at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College (MGM), Indore.
Indore divisional commissioner Sudam Khade confirmed the findings. “As many as 15 deaths were linked to diarrhoea and related symptoms caused by contaminated water,” he was quoted by TOI as saying. He added that the administration is still awaiting more inputs from medical experts.
The study was commissioned to assess how many deaths in the affected areas were directly caused by the consumption of contaminated water. A team of five doctors examined the medical records of 21 people who had died after reports of water contamination emerged last month.
Based on symptoms, treatment records, and clinical findings, the panel concluded that 15 deaths could be linked to diarrhoea and associated complications.
Until Monday, the state government had officially confirmed only six deaths due to diarrhoea and vomiting, although it had acknowledged that the total number of deaths in the affected area stood at 10.
Despite the lower official count, the government had already announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of 18 deceased persons, stating that the decision was taken on humanitarian grounds considering the seriousness of the situation.
The outbreak has mainly affected Bhagirathpura and nearby localities, where a sudden spike in diarrhoea cases was reported from December 29, 2025 onwards. Hospitals in the area witnessed a rush of patients complaining of vomiting, loose motions, dehydration, and weakness, triggering both humanitarian concern and political controversy in the state.
However, local families and media reports claim that the actual death toll may be higher. According to these reports, the number of deaths in Indore due to the outbreak had reached 23 by Monday.
Recent fatalities include 55-year-old Kamlabai, who died on January 9 while undergoing treatment at MY Hospital, and 74-year-old Bhagwan Bharne, who passed away on January 12 after his condition worsened rapidly.
Family members said both had complained of severe vomiting and diarrhoea, symptoms commonly associated with waterborne illnesses.
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