At least ten people have died and over 200 others have been hospitalised after consuming contaminated drinking water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area, triggering public outrage and political scrutiny in the country’s cleanest city.
The issue escalated on Wednesday when Madhya Pradesh’s Urban Development and Housing Minister, Kailash Vijayvargiya, reacted sharply to a question posed by NDTV regarding accountability and relief measures linked to the water contamination. A video of the exchange, in which the minister appeared visibly agitated and used inappropriate language, has since gone viral on social media.
However, Vijayvargiya later expressed regret over his remarks and issued an apology, stating that his words were inappropriate and should not have been used while addressing the media.
मैं और मेरी टीम पिछले दो दिनों से बिना सोए प्रभावित क्षेत्र में लगातार स्थिति सुधारने में जुटी हुई है। दूषित पानी से मेरे लोग पीड़ित हैं और कुछ हमें छोड़कर चले गए, इस गहरे दु:ख की अवस्था में मीडिया के एक प्रश्न पर मेरे शब्द गलत निकल गए। इसके लिए मैं खेद प्रकट करता हूँ।
लेकिन जब…
Bhagirathpura falls within Vijayvargiya’s own विधानसभा constituency, Indore-1. According to official data, the outbreak—believed to be caused by polluted drinking water—led to severe diarrhoeal infections. As of now, 212 patients were admitted to various hospitals, of whom around 50 have been discharged after recovery.
Anger Erupts Over Compensation and Water Supply Questions
Witnesses said the minister initially responded calmly to questions from reporters. However, tensions rose when he was asked about delays in reimbursing medical expenses incurred by affected residents at private hospitals, as well as the lack of an immediate alternative drinking water arrangement in the locality.
The minister reportedly lost his temper at this point, drawing criticism from opposition leaders and civil society groups, who demanded accountability and transparency in handling the public health crisis.
Authorities Under Pressure
The incident has intensified pressure on civic authorities to identify the source of contamination, ensure safe drinking water, and provide timely compensation to affected families. Health officials have said water samples are being tested and corrective measures are underway.
