‘White Poison’ Tragedy: Four Dead, Many Hospitalised in Rajamahendravaram

Four elderly residents lost their lives and more than ten others were hospitalized after allegedly consuming contaminated milk in the Lalacheruvu locality on the outskirts of Rajamahendravaram.

The deaths were reported from Choudeswari Nagar and Venkateswara Nagar colonies within 48 hours. Several others, including children and a five-month-old infant, are undergoing treatment. One child is on dialysis , while two patients remain on ventilator support .

Doctors said patients developed vomiting and diarrhoea soon after consuming the milk, followed by sudden kidney complications leading to acute kidney failure in severe cases.

Preliminary investigations revealed that all affected families had purchased milk from a single vendor, Ganesh , a resident of Narasapuram village in Korukonda mandal. Police said he was supplying milk to about 106 households and has been taken into custody for questioning.

Authorities are yet to confirm the source of the milk. No branded dairy company has been officially named so far. Food Safety officials have collected samples for laboratory analysis to determine whether the milk was adulterated or contaminated.

Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu held an emergency review and directed officials to provide immediate assistance to the victims’ families and ensure the best medical care for those hospitalized. Health teams are conducting door-to-door surveys , with around 75 residents under observation.

Officials have urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if they experience unusual symptoms. Laboratory reports are awaited to establish the exact cause of the tragedy.

For now, what residents once consumed as a daily staple has turned into what many are calling “white poison” , a tragedy that has shaken the community and raised serious concerns about food safety oversight.