Andhra milk tragedy: Death toll reaches 12; probe confirms Ethylene Glycol poisoning

Amaravati: The death toll in the milk adulteration tragedy in Andhra Pradesh’s Rajahmundry has risen to 12, after a 73-year-old woman undergoing treatment for acute renal failure succumbed on Sunday.

Authorities confirmed that the victims consumed milk contaminated with the toxic chemical Ethylene Glycol, leading to severe kidney damage.

Elderly woman succumbs, toll rises to 12

The latest victim, Senapathi Ramalaxmi (73), a resident of Lalacheruvu in Rajahmundry, was admitted to a private hospital on February 16 after reportedly consuming adulterated milk.

She was undergoing treatment for acute renal failure when she passed away on Sunday. Officials said nine others, including three infants, continue to battle for life in various hospitals.

20 affected after consuming contaminated milk

According to East Godavari District Collector Kirthi Chekuri, a total of 20 persons developed acute renal failure after consuming milk adulterated with Ethylene Glycol.

On February 16, several residents were admitted to hospitals with complaints of urinary obstruction and other kidney-related complications. However, the incident came to light only on February 22, following the death of Tadi Krishnaveni (76) at Kakinada Government Hospital due to anuria (inability to pass urine).

Her family members later discovered that multiple people had been hospitalised with similar symptoms, prompting them to lodge a complaint.

Case registered, samples sent for Forensic Tests

Based on a complaint filed by the deceased woman’s son, a case was registered at Rajahmundry III Town Police Station under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Investigators collected blood samples of victims, along with samples of the adulterated milk and curd supplied to them. Milk stock, storage containers, and the freezer from Varalakshmi Milk Centre, operated by Addala Ganeswara Rao in Narasapuram, were also seized and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL), Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL), and other laboratories for examination.

Freezer leak suspected; Toxic substance confirmed

During the investigation, officials found that Ganeswara Rao, 37, had been procuring milk from 43 farmers in and around Narasapuram village.

He stored the milk in two containers inside a freezer at his residence before supplying it in cans to customers in Chaudeswaranagar and Swaroopnagar areas of Rajahmundry.

Customers had reportedly complained on February 15 and 16 that the milk tasted bitter.

It was later discovered that the freezer used for storage was leaking. The accused had taken it to a workshop in Rajahmundry for repairs, where M-seal was applied to the leaking container and freezer walls.

Based on five forensic reports and the final opinion of a Forensic Assistant Professor, authorities confirmed that the deaths were caused by acute renal failure due to the consumption of milk contaminated with toxic Ethylene Glycol.

Accused arrested

Addala Ganeswara Rao alias Ganesh has been arrested and remanded to judicial custody. Further investigation is underway to determine how the toxic substance entered the milk supply chain and whether additional persons were involved.