Four Children From One Family Die After Waterfall Visit in MP's Shivpuri

A family in Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh, is grieving the loss of four children—three brothers and their cousin—who died within 10 days of each other after visiting a local waterfall. The deaths have prompted a health department investigation.

The children bathed at a waterfall near Gora Tila on August 16. Their health deteriorated shortly afterward, with symptoms including fever, stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhoea. The condition of all four worsened rapidly, and they died between August 21 and August 31.

Three of the victims were sons of Tanveer Ahmed, a resident of the Physical Police Station area. His 14-year-old son, Tahir, was the first to fall ill on August 18. He was hospitalised after his condition worsened and died two days later. During treatment, his platelet count dropped sharply.

Shortly after, Ayaz, the 19-year-old son of Ahmed's sister, fell ill. He was initially treated at Shivpuri District Hospital before being moved to Gwalior, where he died on August 23. Tests reportedly revealed an infection in his case.

Ahmed's two younger sons, 11-year-old Tasif and 9-year-old Taruf, then developed fevers. Despite hospitalisation, their condition did not improve. Taruf died on the morning of August 31, and Tasif succumbed the same evening.

District Chief Medical Officer Dr. Sanjay Rishishwar said preliminary findings suggest an infection was the cause. "The children's platelet counts dropped rapidly. In one child's case, the condition became so severe that multiple organs failed," he said. Samples have been collected from family members, and a clear conclusion will only be possible after test results are received.

A health department team visited the family on Tuesday to gather information and collect samples. Autopsies have not yet been conducted. Relatives and locals have called the deaths unusual and have demanded a thorough investigation, suspecting the waterfall water may have been contaminated.