Blood samples of the survivors and deceased and milk samples from the dairy in question were tested as part of the forensic probe, says Kirthi Chekuri, collector from East Godavari. File | Photo credit: PTI
Adulteration of milk with ‘ethylene glycol’, a highly toxic liquid used in the dairy sector as a coolant to prevent freezing and maintain the temperature of milk in the freezer, is the reason behind the death of 10 consumers so far due to acute kidney failure and the hospitalization of 10 others, including three infants, in February this year in Rajamahendravaram town, according to collector Kirthawari Chevari of East Godavarikur district.
Referring to a report released by the Regional Forensic Laboratory in Vijayawada, Ms. Kirthi said, “The forensic probe concluded that the milk was adulterated with ethylene glycol.”
Blood samples of the survivors and the deceased and milk samples from the dairy in question were tested as part of the forensic investigation, she said in a report.
Milk vendor Addala Ganeswara Rao of Narsapuram village in Kurukonda Mandal of East Godavari district allegedly supplied adulterated milk to 110 customers across Rajamahendravaram town on February 15 and 16.
Authorities began questioning the seller after Thadi Krishna Veni (76), who had consumed the milk on February 16, died of acute kidney failure at the Government General Hospital in Kakinada on February 22. Later, consumption of retailer-supplied milk was linked to acute kidney failure in 20 consumers.
“Ethylene glycol first leaked from the freezer. Later it mixed with milk due to leakage from the milk container, leading to adulteration. Ethylene glycol is soluble in water and milk,” the collector said.
On February 16, the retailer had both the freezer and container repaired in Rajamahendravaram after receiving complaints from consumers about discoloration and smell of milk. The seller bought milk directly from 46 dairy farmers and delivered it to 110 families.
“As many as five reports on samples tested by various agencies, including the Vijayawada Regional Forensic Laboratory, have concluded that the milk was adulterated with ethylene glycol,” Ms. Kirthi said. Nine cases were registered against the seller.
According to a statement issued by Deputy Superintendent of Police Kovvur G. Deva Kumar, the seller was booked under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 103 (punishment for murder, including death or life imprisonment) of the IPC. The accused is now in custody at Rajamahendravaram Central Jail.
Published – 07 March 2026 20:57 IST
