Four people have died and several others fallen ill in Rajamahendravaram, Andhra Pradesh, after consuming allegedly adulterated milk, local authorities and news reports said on Monday.
The East Godavari district administration told The Hindu that the deaths, including three senior citizens, occurred between Saturday and Monday. At least eight others are being treated for acute renal failure, including three children under the age of four who are in critical condition.
Residents said symptoms appeared a day after the festival of Maha Shivratri on February 15, The Times of India reported.
District Collector Kirthi Chekuri told The Hindu that all affected individuals had consumed milk from the same vendor, who has been detained for questioning. The milk was sourced from more than 40 local dairy farmers and distributed to over 100 families.
Authorities have collected samples from 75 households, and milk and cattle fodder have been sent for forensic testing, the chief minister’s office said.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident on Monday, officials added.