Here people's lives slowly end - as if some invisible poison is spreading in their bodies.
havoc of mysterious disease
Vinod Besra, 56, is one of the oldest people in the village – and he too has been bedridden since 2019. Vinod says, 'First the pain started in the legs, then the waist started giving way... now the body is gradually stopping working.' His wife Purni Devi (43) and daughter Lalita (27) are also affected by the same disease. Lalita's face and body now look several years older than her age. Presently six people are completely helpless – which include names like Kamleshwari Murmu, Chhota Durga, Bada Durga, Rekha Devi and Surya Narayan Murmu. About 25 more villagers are suffering from the same disease and now walk with the help of sticks.
Age of death- only 40 years!
According to the villagers, the disease starts at the age of 30 with pain in the legs, then gradually affects the waist and muscles. In the last one year alone, many people like Phulmani Devi (40), Ramesh Murmu (30), Malti Devi (48), Salma Devi (45), Ranglal Marandi (55) and Nandu Murmu (50) have died.
The people of the village believe that the root of the disease is contaminated water. Earlier they used to drink water from mountain springs and wells, then this was not a problem. Now the supplied water is becoming the reason for their death.
Health department investigation started
After Aaj Tak's report, Dr. Subhod Kumar (Medical Officer, Haveli Kharagpur) reached the village. He told that 'In the initial investigation, weakness of bones and muscles has been found.' He has sent the report to higher authorities and recommended a team of doctors and testing of the water. SDM Rajeev Roshan also believed that the disease could possibly be linked to groundwater and mineral imbalance.
No job, no compensation, just clean water and treatment
The people of Dudhpaniya earn their living by selling wood and brooms from the forest. Electricity and roads have been provided, but employment and medical facilities are still far away. The villagers are now making only one request - 'We do not want work, just give us clean water… so that our children can survive.'
Village of death or mirror of government negligence?
The story of Dudhpaniya village is not just about a disease, but about the silence of the system. Where someone in every house is sick, life has now become a wait for slow death.
