The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India has taken suomotu cognizance of a media report that in Lalacheruvu, Chowdeshwarannagar and Swarupnagar areas of the East Godavari district in Andhra Pradesh, 16 people died since mid-February due to consumption of adulterated milk. At least four persons with similar symptoms were reported to be undergoing medical treatment. Reportedly, the milk was adulterated with a toxic substance identified as ethylene glycol which caused multi-organ failure. The suspected source of contamination has been traced to a Dairy located in Narsapuram village which was supplying milk to more than 100 households in the area.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise serious issues of human rights violation of the victims. Therefore, it has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police, calling for a detailed report on the matter within two weeks. The report is expected to include the status of health, investigation as well as compensation if any, paid to the next of kin of the deceased.

According to the media report, carried on 23^rd March 2026, the cases of people falling ill came to notice during mid-February 2026 when the residents began experiencing severe health complications such as abdominal pain, vomiting, anuria and acute renal dysfunction. Most of the victims were either elderly persons or young children.

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NSK