Page 62 - Veritas

and nickel in blood samples of 25 victims from the 45 samples sent by the
Government. Public health experts and scientists from various agencies

are waiting for detailed reports of analysis of blood and water samples, but

the primary suspicion is that of water contamination by heavy metals. Sci-
entists suspect pesticide or insecticide to have seeped into drinking water
sources.

The district administration and Eluru Municipal Corporation officials had
also investigated this case and found that Eluru receives water through
canals from both Godavari and Krishna rivers. The canals pass through ag-

ricultural fields where runoff laced with pesticides mixes with water in the

canals. Many aspects of the mystery illness have baffled scientists. People
who only use packaged drinking water have also fallen sick.

Who was involved in the investigation?
Who was involved in the investigation?

While AIIMS, New Delhi, has tested blood, water, and milk samples for
heavy metals, the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) Hy-

derabad, is testing for pathogens. The National Institute for Nutrition, Hy-

derabad, had tested samples of urine, blood, water vegetables, fruits and
other consumables for traces of heavy metals and pesticides. The Indian
Institute of Chemical Technology is testing water and blood samples for

traces of pesticides.

While lead and pesticides continue to be concentrated upon, forensic toxi-
cologists and chemists were given significant preference for further inves-

tigations. Investigations pertaining to other pathogens and probable sourc-

es are also being carried out.

Conclusion:
Conclusion:

Forensic toxicology is an es-
sential component of vari-
ous medical and legal inves-

tigations. The field covers

numerous crimes involving

VERITAS 47