4 die, 12 critical after drinking coolant-contaminated milk in Rajamahendravaram

Rajamahendravaram: Four persons allegedly died and 12 others were hospitalised in Rajamahendravaram after consuming milk suspected to have been contaminated due to a chemical coolant leak from a freezer, police said on Tuesday.

Preliminary investigation indicates that the contamination may have led to acute renal failure in the victims.

Suspected coolant leak from freezer

According to the police, the milk was stored in a freezer at the residence of the accused vendor. Investigators suspect that a chemical coolant may have leaked from the freezer unit into the stored milk, leading to contamination.

East Godavari Superintendent of Police D Narasimha Kishore said samples from the freezer, storage containers and supplied milk have been collected and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Vijayawada for detailed scientific analysis.

“The milk was stored in two containers inside a freezer at the accused’s house. In addition, six cans were filled from storage tanks for distribution. Some cans were also filled with freshly collected milk before supply. We suspect that one contaminated can may have reached the affected households,” the SP said.

Victims suffered acute renal failure

Police said that those who consumed the suspected milk developed severe health complications.

Preliminary findings suggest that the contamination caused kidney (renal) failure, resulting in sudden urinary blockage and, in four cases, death over the last two days.

Twelve others who consumed the milk are currently undergoing treatment at local hospitals. Their condition is being closely monitored.

Vendor in custody, dairy unit sealed

The accused vendor has been taken into custody for questioning. Authorities have also sealed the dairy unit linked to the supply as part of the ongoing investigation.

A case has been registered against the vendor under Section 103(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) on charges of murder. Police said further legal action will depend on the forensic analysis and post-mortem reports.

Officials have urged residents to remain calm and assured that stringent action will be taken against those found responsible after the investigation is completed.