Nagpur: Police have registered a case against a contractor and a chlorine gas supplier over a major chlorine leak at the Godhni water treatment plant on August 24, which allegedly left several residents with serious breathing difficulties and resulted in the deaths of dogs in the affected area.
The case was registered at Mankapur police station following an inquiry committee report constituted by the Nagpur District Collector, who is also the chairperson of the District Disaster Management Authority.
According to the complaint filed by Shrikant Krishna Battulwar, 35, a deputy mechanical engineer posted at the Godhni water treatment plant, the incident occurred between 12.30 am and 1 am on August 24, 2026, triggering an emergency situation.
The inquiry reportedly found that a standby chlorine tanker under the control of the accused suffered a sudden failure, resulting in a substantial leakage of chlorine gas. The tanker was stated to be valid until January 2027.
The accused have been identified as contractor Mohan Anand, 55, of Dharampeth, associated with Prithipal Singh and Company, and Rajkumar Tated, 50, of Reshimbagh in Budhwari, the owner of Parshva Associates, which supplied the chlorine tanker.
The complaint alleges that both were aware of the toxic and potentially fatal nature of chlorine gas but failed to exercise adequate caution. It further alleges that they failed to bring the leak under control promptly, exposing residents to serious health risks.
Several people reportedly suffered severe respiratory problems and had to be taken to various hospitals, with some requiring admission to intensive care units. Dogs in the surrounding area also reportedly died following exposure to the gas.
Mankapur police registered a case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including sections relating to negligence and endangering human life. Neither accused has been arrested, according to the available police record.
Further investigation is underway based on the inquiry committee’s findings and directions from senior officials.
