Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the toxic chemical ethylene glycol in the blood samples of victims who died after consuming adulterated milk in Rajamahendravaram in Andhra Pradesh, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the case.
At least 10 people have died and several others are undergoing treatment after allegedly consuming contaminated milk between February 10 and 24. Police have arrested the milk vendor, Addala Ganeswara Rao, accusing him of knowingly selling the contaminated milk to local residents.
According to officials, blood samples collected by teams from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) and the Regional Forensic Science Laboratory (RFSL) tested positive for ethylene glycol, a toxic substance commonly used as a coolant. Investigators said the chemical likely caused organ failure in the victims.
Police said their probe revealed that Rao, a resident of Narasapuram in Korukonda mandal, collected milk from farmers on February 15 and stored it in a two-chamber freezer at a dairy centre he was allegedly operating illegally.
Investigators believe that a leak in the left chamber of the freezer allowed ethylene glycol, used as a coolant in the refrigeration system, to mix with the milk. Despite warnings from relatives and complaints from locals that the milk tasted bitter, Rao allegedly continued to distribute it.
Police said Rao later repaired one of the chambers and used M-seal to stop the leakage, but by then several people who had already consumed the contaminated milk had fallen seriously ill and were admitted to hospitals with kidney-related complications.
Authorities have registered nine cases against Rao in connection with the incident. He was produced before a local court and remanded to two days of police custody for further questioning.
During interrogation, Rao reportedly admitted that he used to collect around 80 litres of milk daily from farmers and mix about 30 litres of tap water with it before selling it to increase profits. When questioned about detergent traces found in the milk samples, he claimed it was kept only for cleaning the freezer chambers and was not intentionally added to the milk.
Ethylene glycol is widely used in cooling systems for vehicles and industrial equipment. Medical experts say that if ingested, the toxin can cause severe health complications in three stages. Early symptoms include drowsiness, nausea, and vomiting. Within 24 hours, patients may experience breathing difficulties, heart palpitations, and low blood pressure. In severe cases, within 72 hours, it can lead to kidney failure, inability to urinate, and damage to the brain, nerves, and heart.
Police said further investigation is underway to determine the full extent of the contamination and whether additional individuals may have been affected.
Also read: Naidu flags falling birth rates, unveils population policy
Follow us
