Anakapalle Rural Police on Tuesday registered a case of negligence against the management of a private chemical factory in Sampathpuram village of Anakapalle mandal following a complaint lodged by family members of workers who died and those who are undergoing treatment, .
According to the police, the factory manufactures Dicalcium Phosphate and to clear the old stock of about 100 MT the company engaged 23 workers from Chittayyapalem.
According to the complaint, the company management did not provide safety gear such as gloves and masks and the workers developed health issues. On March 15 three of them were admitted to King George Hospital with health complications and on March 15 one N Gangaraju died, and on March 20 L Apparao and N Sattibabu died. The family members alleged the workers died due to negligence of the company which did not take necessary precautions required for handling hazardous chemical.
Sources in the police said seven other workers are also suffering from some health issues and are undergoing treatment. Police are investigating the case. Meanwhile, the Inspector of Factories visited the plant and commenced the investigation. Speaking to The Hindu P. Chinna Rao, Inspector of Factories, said a case was booked against the plant in 2009 for negligence.
“The plant operated from 2009 to 2012 and later it was closed and we had booked a case for not having a licence. The management did not apply for licence and even the power was cut off. It is learnt that the management was having plans to restart the plant and that is why the labourers were engaged to clear the old stock,” said Mr. Chinna Rao.
