NHRC, India takes suo motu cognizance of the reported death of 7 persons after consuming contaminated water being supplied in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore district, Madhya Pradesh: Over 40 people hospitalized

Reportedly authorities took no action to check the contaminated water supply despite complaints

A notice issued to the State Chief Secretary, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks

By PIB Delhi

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suo motu cognizance of a media report that at least seven people died and more than 40 others fell ill after consuming contaminated water in the Bhagirathpura area of Indore district, Madhya Pradesh. Reportedly, the residents had been complaining about the supply of contaminated water supply for several days, but no action was taken by the authorities.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of violation of the human rights of the victims. Therefore, it has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of Madhya Pradesh, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.

According to the media report, carried on 31st December 2025, the main pipeline, which supplies drinking water to the area, passes beneath a public toilet. Due to a leakage in the main line, sewage water reportedly mixed with the drinking water. Besides, several water distribution lines were also found broken in the area, due to which contaminated water was reaching the households.