BALAGHAT, Madhya Pradesh — Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke walked through the dusty tribal villages here on Saturday, his presence amplifying the grief that has settled over this region. He came to meet families who have lost children—dozens of them—to illnesses that thrive in monsoon damp and governmental neglect.

Key facts

  • Over 30 children from the Baiga tribe have died in Balaghat's Birsa block in the past 2.5 months
  • 86 children were recently hospitalized following tribal protests
  • Deaths attributed to measles, malaria, respiratory illness, malnutrition, anaemia, and dehydration
  • Madhya Pradesh High Court issued notices to authorities on September 9

A Disturbing Reality on the Ground

Dipke didn’t just offer condolences. He listened, and what he heard shook him. Locals told him the official death toll of 36 didn’t reflect reality. They whispered of higher numbers, of children being cremated without post-mortems, sometimes even without their parents present. "What I am hearing from locals is deeply disturbing," he later posted on X.

“I am still in Balaghat, meeting the families of the KIDS who have died. What I am hearing from locals is deeply disturbing. They say the actual number of deaths is much higher than what is being officially reported (36). 86 children have been hospitalised recently after the tribals’ protest.”

Official Response and Challenges

Balaghat Collector Kumar Satyam offered a different perspective, one of seasonal disease and historical isolation. He confirmed that over 450 children received treatment recently and health screenings had reached 40 villages. The children, he explained, suffer from poor immunity, making them vulnerable to waves of infection that also affect adults.

“The challenging part was to convince them to accept modern medical treatment,” Satyam admitted, referencing the community’s traditional reliance on faith healing. He noted the situation is now improving, with recovering children helping build trust in hospitals.

Political Accusations and a Search for Accountability

But for Dipke, the tragedy is a story of accountability avoided. He accused the state BJP government of negligence and even alleged that police detained tribal students who were helping coordinate his visit. “Why is it always a BJP-ruled State that seems so afraid of the truth coming out?” he asked.

The opposition Congress party also criticized the government’s delayed response. With the High Court now involved, the pressure is mounting on officials to provide answers—and justice—for families who have already lost too much.