Attempted Murder Case Launched After 118 Workers Fall Ill from Contaminated Water in Gujarat
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Synopsis
In Surat, 118 workers fell ill due to contaminated water at a diamond-cutting unit, leading to an attempt to murder case and a high-level investigation by police. The discovery of a toxic chemical packet near the water cooler has raised serious concerns.
Key Takeaways
- 118 workers fell ill from contaminated water.
- Attempt to murder case filed by police.
- CCTV footage being reviewed for evidence.
- Two workers in ICU due to serious conditions.
- Immediate medical attention provided to all affected.
Surat, April 10 (NationPress) - A total of 118 workers became unwell after ingesting tainted water at a diamond processing facility situated in the Kapodara region of Surat. This alarming situation led local authorities to file an attempt to murder case and commence a thorough investigation, as reported by officials on Thursday.
The incident took place at the Anub Gems factory within the Millennium Complex near Hirabaug, where more than 150 employees are engaged in diamond processing.
As per police reports, several workers began to experience dizziness after consuming water from a cooler installed in the factory. A foul odor was soon detected emanating from the water, prompting the management to address the issue.
The situation escalated rapidly as the health of the affected workers worsened, leading to an emergency response.
Police were alerted, and upon arrival, investigators found a suspicious packet containing Celphos, also known as aluminium phosphide—a highly hazardous chemical—near the water cooler. One packet was opened, while another remained sealed.
Following this discovery, factory management ensured that all workers received immediate medical assistance. Of the 118 individuals affected, 104 were transported to Kiran Hospital and 14 to Diamond Hospital. Two workers were admitted to the ICU in critical condition, while others were treated for minor issues.
Confirming the seriousness of the incident, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) V.R. Patel stated to IANS, "The Kapodara Police Station received the complaint this afternoon. We have established five investigation teams to review CCTV footage from the premises and look for suspicious activity. The aluminium phosphide packet found near the water cooler is also under investigation, and we are tracing its packaging number to identify the purchaser."
"This is a grave matter. Based on the evidence and witness testimonies, a case of attempt to murder has been filed under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), and further inquiries are ongoing," he added.
One factory worker recounted the events to IANS, stating, "We noticed something unusual when the water began to emit a strange odor. Subsequently, the manager informed us about the discovery of an aluminium phosphide packet near the cooler, prompting us to stop consuming the water immediately."
Another worker shared with IANS, "The water had a strong foul smell. When the managers investigated, they found a Celphos packet near the cooler. As workers started to feel unwell, they were taken to hospitals, and the police were notified."
"While we were working, several employees began to feel dizzy. We also noticed a foul odor from the water, and a packet of Celphos was uncovered. The workers were swiftly moved to the hospital. We have no understanding of why someone would do this," another employee remarked to IANS.
