Medical and Health Department officials documenting anuria cases in a private hospital in Rajamahendravaram.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
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Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday announced an ex-gratia of ₹10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives after allegedly consuming adulterated milk in Rajamahendravaram.
The announcement was made in the State Legislative Assembly, where the Chief Minister expressed deep condolences to the bereaved families and assured stringent action against those responsible.
The incident occurred in Choudeshwari Nagar and Swaroop Nagar areas of Rajamahendravaram, where several residents fell ill after consuming milk supplied by a local dairy.
According to officials, four persons have died in the incident, while two others remain on ventilator support and eight more are undergoing treatment in hospital.
Addressing the Assembly, the Chief Minister described the incident as “deeply distressing.”
The affected individuals were admitted to hospitals with symptoms including vomiting, abdominal pain, and kidney-related complications requiring dialysis. Clinical examinations revealed elevated levels of blood urea and serum creatinine among the patients.
Preliminary inquiries indicated that the milk was supplied by Varalakshmi Milk Dairy, located in Korukonda mandal’s Narasapuram village, which distributes milk daily to around 106 families. Authorities confirmed that those who consumed milk from the dairy fell ill. Among the deceased, three were above 70 years of age and one was 58.
The Chief Minister informed the House that samples collected from the victims have been sent to laboratories in Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam for detailed analysis. Police have taken the dairy operator, Addala Ganeswara Rao, into custody for questioning. A case has been registered based on a complaint lodged by the families of the deceased.
Warning of strict consequences, the Chief Minister said the government would take serious action against anyone found indulging in food adulteration for profit. “If anyone compromises public health for monetary gains, we will deal with them firmly. The government will not remain indifferent to acts that endanger people’s lives,” he asserted.
Earlier in the day, upon learning of the incident, the Chief Minister conducted a high-level review with officials. He spoke with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and senior officials from the Health and Food Safety departments to ascertain the details and monitor the medical assistance being provided to the victims. He directed authorities to ensure the best possible treatment for those hospitalized.
Officials informed him that samples had been collected from 75 individuals belonging to families that consumed the milk, and that collection of samples from the remaining affected persons was underway.
The Chief Minister also directed senior officials from the Food Safety and Health departments to immediately visit Rajamahendravaram and closely monitor the situation.
Later in the afternoon, the Chief Minister held another review meeting in his Assembly chamber with ministers and senior officials to assess the developments and ensure swift action in the case.
Published – February 23, 2026 03:59 pm IST
