Ludhiana: 2 workers die, 1 taken ill during work in dyeing unit 

ACP (East) Devinder Chaudhary said that according to the owners, there used to be maintenance drive of the plant every Sunday which involved usage of a chemical. “Prima facie a chemical was overused in more than prescribed quantity and they got unconscious. They were taken to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) where Raju and Rajinder Pathak were declared dead and Nagendra is undergoing treatment. His condition is also stated to be critical,” said ACP.

ACP added that families of deceased have been informed and their arrival is awaited from Uttar Pradesh to record their statements. “According to the owner Vinay Garg, they had immediately taken workers to CMCH after they fell sick. However, we are investigating and questioning the owner. Autopsies will be done Monday,” said ACP. He added that Tibba police station received information about deaths from the hospital after two workers were declared dead.

Meanwhile, Ludhiana east MLA Sanjay Talwar alleged that dyeing units are not following the prescribed norms and workers are exposed to unsafe working conditions. “Dyeing units are not following norms prescribed for workers’ safety inside wastewater effluent treatment plants. Work includes dealing with dangerous chemicals on daily basis but workers are not provided any safety gear,” alleged the MLA.