Baby dies, another critical after jab in Ratlam, probe begins

Indore: A routine vaccination drive turned into a nightmare for two families in Nayakheda village after two toddlers fell critically ill shortly after reportedly being immunised at a local Anganwadi centre. While a 10-month-old boy, Piyanshu, tragically passed away, another 1.5-year-old child, Nityanshu, is currently battling for recovery in the Intensive Care Unit.On Tuesday afternoon, four children were vaccinated at the Nayakheda Anganwadi under the Bilpank police station limits. Among them was Piyanshu, who received three shots — two on his arms and one on his thigh — between 12.30pm and 1pm. By 2.30pm, Piyanshu's condition began to deteriorate, characterised by severe vomiting and diarrhoea. His father, Dharmendra Malviya, rushed him to the Dharad Health Centre. "The staff there didn't treat him and immediately referred us to Ratlam, which wasted precious time," Dharmendra alleged. By the time the family reached the Mother and Child Care Unit (MCH) in Ratlam at 5.30pm, doctors declared the infant dead on arrival.Nityanshu, the 1.5-year-old son of Devilal Malviya, developed fever and vomiting after his scheduled booster and remains stable in MCH Ratlam's Paediatric Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, said physician Dr. Valluri Chandure. His twin Piyanshu arrived lifeless.Villagers alleged a health department cover-up, prompting CMHO Dr Sandhya Belsere to activate the District AEFI Committee. The MR vaccine vial — safe in 18 other children from Dharad focal point — was sealed for testing; Piyanshu's viscera preserved for analysis.Bilpank police filed a case. Dharmendra Malviya demanded a high-level probe: "He had a pulse entering the city." The village awaits autopsy and vial results amid tension over possible reaction or negligence.