Bacteria ‘found in sewer water’ behind Indore deaths: What we know so far

At least nine people have died and more than 150 others have been hospitalised after consuming contaminated water in Indore’s Bhagirathpura area of Madhya Pradesh. An inquiry into the incident has found the presence of bacteria “generally found in sewer water” in drinking water samples, officials familiar with the matter said.

The findings come amid strong criticism of the state government, with local residents saying authorities failed to act despite earlier complaints of water contamination. The government has since vowed to take emergency measures.

Officials said initial results from tests conducted three days after patients were first admitted with vomiting and diarrhoea pointed to bacteria commonly associated with sewage in samples collected from the affected area. They added that further laboratory results are awaited before identifying the exact pathogens.

Dr Arvind Ghanghoria, dean of Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Indore, said the preliminary report confirmed the presence of abnormal bacteria typically found in sewer water. “We are yet to identify the bacteria as the culture report is awaited. Stool test reports of affected patients have also not been received, which will provide further clarity,” he said.

Authorities had earlier said the contamination may have been caused by a sewage line leaking into a drinking water pipeline.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognisance of the incident and issued a notice to the Madhya Pradesh government, seeking a detailed report within two weeks. The commission noted that residents had reportedly complained about contaminated water for several days without any action being taken.

The Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh high court has also directed the state government to submit a detailed report on the incident.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced ₹2 lakh in compensation for the families of those who died and assured free treatment for all affected patients.

According to local officials, residents first reported an unusual smell in the water on December 25. Officials said the number of people falling ill continues to rise, with 2,456 residents reporting symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhoea so far. Of them, 162 have been admitted to hospital.