New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- The Congress on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the BJP-led Madhya Pradesh government over the deaths of at least 18 people, including a six-month-old infant, allegedly due to contaminated drinking water in Indore, calling the tragedy a case of "criminal negligence" and demanding a Supreme Court-monitored independent inquiry.

Addressing the media at party headquarters, Congress leader and party spokesperson Pawan Khera said the incident had exposed the "ugly, brutal and utterly callous face" of the BJP government, accusing it of failing in its most basic duty of ensuring safe drinking water despite years of central and international funding.

"In Indore, 18 innocent lives have been senselessly lost due to gros...