Nagpur: Police have registered a case against a contractor and a chlorine gas supplier over the August 24 chlorine leak at the Godhani water treatment plant, following an inquiry that reportedly identified serious safety lapses.
The incident had triggered panic in the surrounding area, with residents suffering breathing difficulties after toxic chlorine gas escaped from a standby 900-kg chlorine tonner. More than 50 people were reportedly hospitalised, while several dogs were reported dead following exposure to the gas.
Contractor, Supplier Named in Police Case
The accused have been identified as Mohan Anand, 55, associated with Prithipal Singh and Company, and Rajkumar Tated, 50, owner of Parshva Associates, which supplied the chlorine tonner.
The case was registered at Mankapur police station following a complaint by Shrikant Krishna Battulwar, a deputy mechanical engineer associated with the water treatment plant.
According to the complaint, the accused allegedly failed to exercise adequate caution while handling and supplying the hazardous gas. The allegations include negligence that contributed to the leak and the resulting emergency.
Inquiry Flags Safety Concerns
The inquiry reportedly found shortcomings in the plant’s chlorine safety arrangements, including the absence of gas sensors and alarms, a proper neutralisation system and adequate protective equipment. The standby tonner was also reportedly stored in the open.
The tonner was stated to be valid until January 2027, indicating that the investigation has focused on safety arrangements and handling practices rather than simply the validity of the gas container.
The inquiry was initiated after District Collector Ashirwad Kumar ordered an investigation into the incident and directed that criminal proceedings be initiated if negligence was established.
Further Investigation Underway
The case has raised questions about safety standards at water treatment facilities handling highly toxic chemicals and the accountability of contractors and suppliers responsible for such operations.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the leak and the alleged lapses. Further action against other persons responsible for plant operations may depend on the findings of the investigation.
The case is a reminder that failures in chemical storage, monitoring and emergency response can put entire neighbourhoods at risk.
