In Jalandhar, police have registered a case concerning an ammonia gas leak at Jain Ice Factory. The factory owner and multiple government departments, including Jalandhar Municipal Corporation, Factory Department of Punjab, Industrial Department of Punjab, the Punjab State Power Corporation (Electricity Department), and Punjab Pollution Control Board, have been named as defendants.
The factory owner, Ninni Kumar Jain, along with the officers who were on duty at the time, is also under investigation. Authorities indicated that additional names may be added to the charges as the investigation progresses.
Significant action has been taken, with sections 105 and 61 of the BNS being invoked. Jalandhar Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Garg has ordered a magistrate’s inquiry, which is expected to yield a report within 15 days.
On Saturday, September 21, ammonia gas leaked from the factory, resulting in the death of a worker who succumbed to asphyxiation. The fire brigade team managed to halt the leak after approximately two hours of effort.
The incident occurred around 2 pm in front of a private cinema on Jalandhar Railway Station Road, where the factory is located within a busy market area. A gas pipe which burst open, was identified as the source of the leak, prompting nearby shopkeepers to evacuate the vicinity.
The deceased has been identified as Sheetal (68), a resident of Kishanpura (Jalandhar), who had been employed at the factory for three months.
