Karnataka CM Links COVID-19 Vaccines to 23 Heart Attack Deaths in Hassan; ICMR, AIIMS, Biocon Founder Refute Claims, Probe Underway

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has raised concerns over a recent surge in heart attack deaths in Hassan district, suggesting a possible link to COVID-19 vaccines. Over 23 heart attack deaths were reported in a span of 40 days. Siddaramaiah described the vaccines as being approved hastily under emergency use authorizations and called for further investigation into the matter. His remarks have sparked a political controversy, with the Union Health Ministry, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and health experts refuting any connection between the vaccines and cardiac deaths. ICMR and AIIMS studies have found no correlation, emphasizing the vaccines' safety and their role in saving lives. Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw also defended the vaccines, calling the CM's claims factually incorrect and contributing to misinformation. A committee chaired by the District Health Officer of Hassan has been formed to investigate the deaths, with officials noting most fatalities occurred at home or during routine activities. Despite the pushback, Siddaramaiah has defended his statements, emphasizing the need for clarity amid the unexplained deaths. The issue remains under investigation amid ongoing public and political debate.