500 Bengaluru Luxury Apartment Residents Suffer 'Mystery Illness': Report

At least 500 residents of a luxury apartment complex in Bengaluru are battling an unexplained illness.

Among the 262 affected families, children and the elderly have been particularly impacted, showing symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps.

Photo Credit: Pexels

According to The New Indian Express, Brigade Meadows Plumeria, the apartment complex in question, relies on water from its own borewell, raising concerns about possible contamination. Local doctors have identified the illness as gastroenteritis, though the root cause remains unclear. Conflicting results from water sample tests have added to the uncertainty, the report stated.

A government laboratory found that water from five of the six tanks at the complex was safe. However, one tank supplying a specific block contained traces of E. coli. Water from the affected tank has been cut off, and it has since undergone a thorough cleaning. Investigations are ongoing.

DK Shivakumar Warns of Action Over Poor Water Quality

Earlier this year, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar warned officials of strict consequences for failing to maintain potable water standards.

In a letter to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) Commissioner, Bengaluru Zilla Panchayat CEO, and BWSSB Chairman, Shivakumar stated that officials would be held accountable for any outbreaks of water-borne diseases.

He wrote, "All officials concerned must ensure quality potable water to the people of Bengaluru. The officials will be held responsible for any action in case of any water-borne diseases."

The Deputy CM also directed authorities to inspect all drinking water units to ensure they are operating hygienically.

"There are reports of water-borne diseases due to water contamination from many parts of the state. The issue was discussed in a conference call between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and DCs. In this backdrop, officials must inspect all the drinking water units and ensure their hygienic functioning. Frequent tests must be conducted for any water contamination," the letter stated.