Factory worker dies, condition of 2 deteriorates in Panipat

A factory worker reportedly died under mysterious circumstances while the condition of two others deteriorated while they entered an underground chemical tank to clean at a textile factory on Bapoli-Jalalpur road in the Sanoli area of the district.

The deceased has been identified as Rajkumar (35) of Bapoli, while two others admitted at a private hospital were identified as Krishan of Attolapur and Imran of Mohala village.

The Sanoli police have registered a case against the factory owner and began a probe into the matter.

Rohtas of Bapoli, father of the deceased, in his complaint to the Sanoli police said his son Rajkumar was working at Diana Max Textile factory as RO (ETP) operator. He went on duty on Saturday at 9 am. He received a call in the evening that Rajkumar was admitted to a private hospital. They reached the hospital where they found that Rajkumar had died while two other employees Krishan and Imran were admitted.

He further alleged that the factory owner was solely responsible for his son’s death as he forced the workers to clean a tank containing contaminated chemicals. The factory owner deliberately forced him to enter and clean the chemical tank without providing proper safety measures, he alleged.

Sunil Dutt, president, Centre of Indian Trade Union (CITU) and Rajender, state joint secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Khet Mazdoor Union said the condition of labourers in Panipat factories was pathetic and they were forced to live and work in poor conditions.

Members of various trade unions and organisations demanded strict action against the factory owner and demanded compensation for the victim’s family and a job for them. “A case has been registered against the factory owner on the complaint of the deceased’s father,” said Inspector Ved Pal, SHO, Sanoli.

The body has been handed over to the victim’s kin after a post-mortem examination on Sunday. The robe into the matter is underway, he said.