YSRCP slams govt negligence in Turakapalem deaths; 

Guntur, Oct 22: YSR Congress Party leaders strongly condemned the state government’s gross negligence over the continuing deaths in Turakapalem village, Guntur district, where 45 people have died over the past six months due to mysterious illnesses and contaminated water. After visiting Sheelam Salomi (40), a woman from Turakapalem undergoing treatment at Guntur Government Hospital, YSRCP representatives addressed the media and demanded Rs. 1 crore compensation for each deceased family and Rs. 25 lakh for those under treatment, along with a permanent health camp and comprehensive screening for all residents.

Former Minister Ambati Rambabu said that despite repeated visits and representations by YSRCP, the government has failed to act or even determine the cause of deaths. “Turakapalem lies just a few kilometres from Guntur city, yet the situation reflects total administrative failure. The government must immediately take responsibility and safeguard the villagers’ health,” he asserted.
Former Minister Sake Sailajanath slammed the government’s indifference, stating that people are dying within a week of fever due to multi-organ failure, and yet no concrete investigation has been undertaken. He highlighted that most victims belong to Dalit colonies, and their pleas for safe drinking water have gone unheard. “This government is putting a price on human life. Paying Rs. 5 lakh to a few families and ignoring the rest is inhuman. Rural Development Minister Pawan Kalyan has not even visited the affected area,” he said. Sailajanath demanded a dedicated testing lab within a 5-km radius and immediate measures to supply safe drinking water.
YSRCP Guntur in-charge Balasani Kiran expressed outrage over the social discrimination faced by Turakapalem villagers, saying the deaths were being ignored because most victims are Dalits. He demanded the immediate disclosure of medical reports, establishment of a permanent health camp, and formation of a special medical committee to monitor the situation.
YSRCP Legal Cell President Manohar Reddy described the continuing deaths as “government-engineered killings.” He said, “Even though Turakapalem is near the state capital, the administration is silent. If the state government is incapable, it must seek assistance from the National Health Mission to investigate and control the crisis.”
The delegation included former ministers Ambati Rambabu and Sake Sailajanath, Balasani Kiran, Manohar Reddy, YSRCP Guntur City President Shaik Noori Fathima, and other senior leaders. They reiterated that YSRCP will continue to stand by the affected families until justice, medical care, and safe living conditions are ensured.