Child’s death due to contaminated water, PDO suspended, FIR lodged

Raichur (IANS) | The Karnataka government on Saturday suspended a Panchayat Development Officer (PDO) in connection with the death of a child at Rekalamradi village in Raichur district after drinking contaminated water. Raichur District Panchayat CEO Shashidhar Kurera has suspended PDO Renuka for dereliction of duty. Deceased Hanumesh’s father Eshwarappa lodged an FIR at Devdurga police station holding PDO Renuka responsible for his son’s death.

Kariamma Nayak, JD(S) MLA from Devdurga constituency, said information has been collected from the concerned gram panchayats and she will initiate action against the culprits.

The villagers allege that even after informing Renuka about the defect in the pipe supplying drinking water, she did not get it repaired. He alleged that sewage water got mixed with the drinking water which led to the incident.

More than 30 people, including women and children, fell ill after drinking the contaminated water. The incident came to light on Friday. Samples of drinking water of the village have been sent to the lab. Prima facie it is being established that the villagers have fallen ill after drinking the water.

A team of doctors has been deployed in Rekalamradi village. Necessary medical equipment, medicines have been provided and temporary alternative drinking water arrangements have been made.

People were asked to visit doctors if they noticed symptoms of vomiting and loose motions. Villagers have been instructed to drink only hot or boiled water.

Officials said people who reported uneasiness were admitted to hospitals at Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Arkera and Devdurga.

–IANS