YS Sharmila Reddy. PHOTO FILE | Photo credit: FILE PHOTO
Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) president YS Sharmila Reddy has launched a scathing attack on the state government, accusing it of criminal negligence and complete failure to ensure food safety.
On Monday, Ms. Sharmila visited the adulterated milk victims who are currently undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Rajamahendravaram. Speaking to the media at the hospital, she said the tragedy was not an accident but the result of years of official apathy and a lack of regulatory oversight. Ms. Sharmila alleged that the milk vendor responsible for the supply of adulterated milk that claimed 11 lives has been operating without a valid license for nearly 11 years, but the food safety department has not conducted inspections or initiated action.
She said many people became seriously ill after consuming milk allegedly contaminated with ethylene glycol, with many fighting for their lives on ventilator support. Ms. Sharmila alleged that adulteration has become rampant across the state and involves milk, ghee, liquor, drinking water and other staple foods. It demanded immediate strengthening of the food safety department through large-scale recruitment and strict regular inspections to prevent further loss of life. Ms. Sharmila demanded that the compensation announced for the families of the deceased be increased from ₹ 10 lakh to ₹ 25 lakh. She criticized former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy for not visiting the victims and alleged that he did not show concern for the suffering of common citizens.
Published – 9 March 2026 20:32 IST
