Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Monday (February 23, 2026) conducted a high-level review over reports of illness and deaths among residents of Choudeswari Nagar and Swarup Nagar in Rajamahendravaram, allegedly linked to the consumption of adulterated milk.
During the review, the Chief Minister held detailed discussions with the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and officials from the Medical and Health and Food Safety Departments. He sought comprehensive information regarding the health condition of affected residents and the circumstances that led to the suspected contamination.
Officials informed Mr. Naidu that milk vendors had been supplying milk to 106 households in the affected localities and surrounding areas. Samples have so far been collected from 75 individuals belonging to families that consumed the milk, while collection from the remaining households is underway.
Food Safety authorities have gathered milk samples and sent them to laboratories for detailed testing. The Chief Minister was also briefed on the medical assistance being provided to the victims. Field-level medical camps and rapid test medical camps have been established in the affected areas to monitor residents and provide immediate treatment.
Mr. Naidu directed officials to ensure the best possible medical care for those undergoing treatment and instructed that stringent action be initiated against the vendors if laboratory reports confirm adulteration. He also ordered senior officials from the Food Safety and Medical & Health Departments to immediately visit Rajamahendravaram and personally oversee the situation to ensure strict enforcement of safety norms. The state government, officials said, is closely monitoring the developments as investigations continue.
Jagan alleges negligence in enforcing food safety norms
Meanwhile, former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh and president of the YSR Congress Party, Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, expressed deep shock and anguish over the incident in Rajamahendravaram, where four persons reportedly died after consuming adulterated milk. Several others are undergoing treatment in hospitals, with some stated to be in critical condition.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mr. Jagan conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the hospitalised victims. He alleged that negligence in enforcing food safety norms had endangered public lives and demanded that the government initiate stringent action against those responsible.
Stating that the incident reflects serious lapses in monitoring and regulatory mechanisms, he called for immediate corrective measures to prevent recurrence of such tragedies. Mr. Jagan also urged the Health Department to act swiftly by ensuring comprehensive medical care, continuous monitoring of patients’ conditions, and deployment of expert medical teams if necessary.
He further sought urgent administrative intervention to strengthen food safety inspections across the state and restore public confidence in essential commodities such as milk.
Published – February 23, 2026 02:44 pm IST
