Deadline for submitting report of ammonia gas leak at factory extended till October 20

The deadline to submit a detailed report on the ammonia gas leak at Jain Ice Mill has by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jalandhar-1, has been extended by 15 days. Initially, the report was to be submitted today. Now, it would be submitted on October 20.

The gas leak, which occurred on September 21, at the mill near Damoria flyover, resulted in death of 68-year-old migrant worker identified as Sheetal Singh.

Following the gas leak, Deputy Commissioner Dr Himanshu Aggarwal ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident. The SDM was instructed to investigate the cause of the gas leak, identify those responsible and evaluate any lapses in safety protocols or negligence by the factory management. Besides, the department concerned and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) were directed to inspect similar units to prevent such incidents in the future.

The deadline was extended due to recent administrative transfers and the upcoming panchayat elections. Aggarwal confirmed the delay citing the elections as a primary factor. “The report will now be submitted on October 20. Further action will be taken on the basis of findings,” the DC said.

The Commissionerate Police had registered an FIR against factory owner identified as Ninni Kumar Jain and unnamed officials of several government departments in connection with the ammonia gas leak.

The FIR was registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS. Officials of the municipal corporation, Industry Department, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and the PPCB have been named in the FIR for negligence.

The police claimed that they were investigating how the factory was allowed to operate in such a densely populated area without proper approvals raising questions about overlooking of safety standards by officials concerned.