In Chhattisgarh’s Durg district, a serious incident at the NSPCL power plant led to the filing of an FIR. This legal action was initiated after four workers suffered from gas inhalation at the plant. The police confirmed this development on Monday.
Complaint Against Power Plant Management and Contracting Firm
The complaint, which sparked the case, was lodged by one of the affected workers. It targets both the NSPCL power plant’s management and Bindal Brothers. The latter is known for providing contract labor. This information comes directly from an official at the Bhilai Bhatti police station.
Background of the NSPCL Power Plant
NSPCL, where the incident occurred, is a collaborative enterprise. It’s run by two major public sector units: the National Thermal Power Company (NTPC) Limited and the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL).
Details of the Gas Inhalation Incident
The incident dates back to January 26. Four contractual workers – S Kumar, Deepak Chaudhary, Manindar Singh, and D Shankar Rao – faced a medical emergency. They inhaled a toxic gas while at the plant, which led to their hospitalization.
Complaint Leads to Legal Action
They were released from the hospital the following day. However, the situation escalated when S Kumar filed a formal complaint. The complaint was against both the power plant’s management and the contracting firm. The police registered the case under IPC sections 284 and 337. These sections deal with negligent conduct involving poisonous substances and acts that endanger life or personal safety.
Allegations of Negligence and Lack of Safety Measures
The complaint sheds light on the circumstances leading to the incident. The workers were assigned to install a silencer in boiler-1, located on the plant’s seventh floor. However, upon reaching the site, they experienced breathing difficulties and eye irritation, necessitating hospitalization.
Chemical Cleaning and Ammonia Gas Formation Alleged
Further complicating the matter, Kumar’s complaint alleges that boiler-1 had been cleaned with chemicals just a day before, on January 25. This cleaning process reportedly led to the formation of ammonia gas. Critically, the complaint asserts that the workers were sent to perform their task without appropriate safety equipment. This oversight, Kumar alleges, endangered their lives.
Current Status of the Case
As of now, no arrests have been made. The police are actively investigating the validity of these allegations.
