Mankapur Police have registered a case against a contractor and a chlorine tanker supplier over the gas leakage at Godhani water purification plant on August 24. The gas leak caused breathing problems among local residents and put several lives at risk. The accused have been identified as Mohan Anand (55), a resident of Dharampeth and Rajkumar Tated (50), a resident of Reshim Oli in Budhwari. Tated is a director of Parshwa Associates. The case was registered based on the findings of an inquiry committee set up by the District Collector, who is also the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority.

 

The incident occurred between 12.30 am and 1 am on August 24. Huge amount of chlorine gas suddenly escaped from a reserve tanker at the plant. The gas spread to nearby areas and caused severe breathing difficulties among residents. Several people had to be admitted to hospitals. Some required treatment in intensive care units. A dog in the area also died due to the effects of the gas. Following the incident, the district administration ordered an inquiry into the circumstances that led to the leak.

 

The committee’s findings pointed to negligence by those responsible for the tanker and related work, despite their knowledge of the dangers of chlorine gas. The inquiry also found that the tanker’s certification was valid until January 2027. However, the leak occurred despite the valid certification. Based on the committee’s report, a formal complaint was submitted to the police. Mankapur Police have registered a case against the contractor and the supplier. Further investigation is underway.