The deceased has been identified as Algu Choudhary (70), a resident of Bhagirathpura, who was admitted to Aurobindo Hospital on January 9 after developing acute vomiting and diarrhoea. Hospital sources said his condition later worsened due to respiratory complications, and he died late Thursday despite continued medical care.
According to the family, Choudhary had no prior history of serious illness. His son, Sanjay Choudhary, said the health issues began only after consuming contaminated water supplied to the locality. “My father was healthy and had no existing disease. He was admitted after severe vomiting and diarrhoea caused by polluted water,” he said.
Health authorities said three patients affected by the outbreak are still undergoing treatment at different hospitals in the city. Their condition is reported to be stable. Since the outbreak began, more than 450 residents have been hospitalised with symptoms linked to water contamination and were later discharged after recovery.
The outbreak, first reported in early January, was traced to contamination in the local drinking water supply in Bhagirathpura and adjoining areas. Preliminary investigations by civic and health officials indicated that leakage in water pipelines and possible mixing with sewage led to the spread of water-borne infections, triggering a surge in cases of gastroenteritis and related complications.
Municipal officials said emergency measures were initiated after the spike in cases, including shutting down affected water lines, supplying tanker water, and carrying out chlorination drives. Medical teams were also deployed for door-to-door screening to identify new cases at an early stage.
However, residents have continued to raise concerns over delayed action and inadequate monitoring of the water distribution system. Several families have demanded accountability and long-term corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents, particularly in densely populated neighbourhoods.
The district health department has stated that water samples from the affected areas are being tested regularly and that surveillance remains in place. Officials said corrective work on pipelines is ongoing and claimed that the situation is now under control, with a sharp decline in new cases.
Authorities said a detailed report on the incident, including responsibility for the contamination, is awaited. The findings are expected to guide further action to strengthen Indore’s water safety and public health response mechanisms.
