Sharmila slams government over milk adulteration deaths

Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC) President Y.S. Sharmila Reddy 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 victims of adulterated milk 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 result of years of official apathy and 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 failed to conduct inspections or initiate action.

She said that many people fell seriously ill, after consuming milk allegedly contaminated with ethylene glycol, with many with some battling for their lives on ventilator support. Ms. Sharmila alleged that adulteration has become rampant across the State affecting milk, ghee, liquor, drinking water and other essential food items. She demanded the 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 criticised former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy for not visiting the victims, and alleged that he failed to show concern for the suffering of ordinary citizens.