India, Aug. 14 -- Madhya Pradesh Congress leader Umang Singhar on Friday claimed that 19 children have died following an outbreak of illness linked to contaminated water in tribal-dominated villages of Balaghat district, and accused the state government of concealing the actual toll.

Calling the situation "extremely worrying", the Leader of Opposition in state assembly visited the affected Kundekasa, Bondari and Korka villages and took stock of the situation.

He also met ailing children from these villages undergoing treatment at a hospital, and enquired about their condition as well as the healthcare facilities available there, a statement issued by his office said.

Singhar met families affected by the outbreak.

Local villagers claim...