India, Feb. 16 -- At least 12 people, including five children, have died in 15 days at Chayansa in Haryana's Palwal, prompting a health department probe amid growing concerns about contaminated drinking water and infectious disease spread.

Health officials said the deaths between late January and mid-February were linked to severe liver-related complications. Preliminary findings pointed to viral hepatitis and possible water contamination.

On January 31, jaundice-related deaths were first reported in Chayansa, a village of 5,700 people and 865 households. A rapid response team was deployed a day later. Medical camps, door-to-door surveys, and screening of villagers have since followed.

Seven of the deaths occurred between January 27 an...