The Bharuch Police have initiated a suo motu probe into a stampede-like situation that occurred on July 9, when around 1,000 people showed up for walk-in interviews held by a firm for 40 vacancies in Ankleshwar.
Videos showing a massive queue marked by pushing and shoving have gone viral on social media. Aspirants tried to get a toehold on a ramp leading to the entrance of a hotel in Ankleshwar, where the interview was being held. The railing of the ramp later collapsed, led to several aspirants to fall off, though no one was injured.
Tharmax Limited, a private chemical company, had invited aspirants for walk-in interviews for 40 vacancies at Hotel Lords Plaza between 9 am and 4:30 pm, according to the police. The advertisement stated that the company was looking to fill positions for shift in charge, plant operator, supervisor-CDS, fitter-mechanical, and executive-ETP at its new plant in the Jhagadia industrial area.
Bharuch SP Mayur Chavda stated, “The company expected around 150 to 200 applicants, but over 1,000 showed up at the hotel. The company representatives allowed approximately 150 to 200 applicants inside and then closed the main door. As those outside tried to enter, some fell, but nobody was injured in the incident.”
He further stated that no FIR has been filed yet. “However, we have taken suo motu action and started an inquiry, as the video has gone viral on social media. We have started calling the company representatives who were handling the interview process and also hotel staffers. If anything comes up during the inquiry, we will take appropriate steps.”
