Mystery Grips Bihar Village After Death of 3 Members of Same Family, Doctors Search for Answers

A sense of fear and uncertainty has enveloped Rampur Mushari Tola in the Mufassil police station of Purnia, Bihar, following the tragic deaths of three members of a single family due to an unidentified illness. Today, Miten and Munni Devi, the brother and pregnant sister-in-law of the deceased, have fallen critically ill, intensifying concerns over the nature of the disease. Civil surgeon Dr PK Kanaujia suspects the cause could be either viral diarrhea or food poisoning, pending confirmation from ongoing medical tests.

Following the incident, a medical team, PHED department personnel, and ambulance services have been swiftly dispatched to the village. The administration and health department are maintaining a vigilant stance to manage any emergent situation.

The tragic saga began on July 18, when Akhilesh, returning from Ghaziabad with his wife, brought home food items which the entire family consumed. According to local authorities including Niranjan Oraon and a neighbour, on July 18, Akhilesh, son of Vasudev Rishi, returned home from Ghaziabad with his wife. They brought back ‘pitha’ from there, which the entire family consumed. Later that evening, they also had chicken rice. Subsequently, Akhilesh developed symptoms of loose motion, diarrhea, and severe abdominal pain. Despite taking medication and retiring for the night, he tragically passed away.

The situation worsened on July 21 when Akhilesh’s 80-year-old grandmother, Ashiya Devi, passed away after experiencing sudden abdominal distress. Tragedy struck again on the July 22 when Akhilesh’s younger brother, Mithun, also fell ill and subsequently died despite medical intervention.

On Thursday morning, Akhilesh’s brother Mithun started vomiting, and complained of stomach ache and loose motion. After this, he was brought to GMCH in critical condition. From here he has been referred to Bhagalpur.

In response to the crisis, a coordinated effort involving medical teams, the PHED department, and ambulances has been mobilised to the affected village. Authorities are conducting comprehensive testing of water sources and residents amid concerns that the illness may be localised within the family. Two ambulances, medical team and PHED department team are present in the village. People of all the houses are being given Covid test and several other types of tests.

Fogging and bleaching spraying operations have been conducted, alongside water testing carried out by the PHED department. Despite these measures, local residents assert that the incidents have solely affected one family, with others remaining in good health. Nonetheless, apprehension looms large among the community. District Magistrate Kundan Kumar has directed officials and health department personnel to maintain a continuous presence in the area, ensuring prompt medical assistance is readily available under any circumstance.