Three workers died on Friday morning after inhaling toxic gas while cleaning an underground tank at a clothing and fabric wholesale unit located behind the Christian Cemetery in Danilimda’s Behrampura area.
According to a police complaint filed by 52-year-old Bhagwan Parmar, a resident of Behrampura and uncle of one of the deceased, his nephew Prakash Parmar, along with co-workers Sunil Rathva and Vishal Thakor, died after inhaling toxic gas that leaked while they were working inside a 10×10-foot underground solid waste tank at MK Creation company.
As per the complaint, two days before the incident, the workers were assigned the task of cleaning the tank for ₹18,000. Despite their requests, they were allegedly denied essential safety gear such as masks, gloves, and helmets by company owner Naushad Salim Sheikh and contractor Jignesh Purbiya. The workers were reportedly told to either proceed without the protective equipment or leave the job. Fearing the loss of income, they returned the following day and resumed the cleaning work.
According to a media report, on Friday morning, the workers were again forced to enter the tank without protective gear. During cleaning, a gas leak caused all three to lose consciousness. They were taken to LG Hospital, where they were declared dead on arrival.
Bhagwan Parmar alleged that despite knowing the risks, the company and contractor pushed the workers into the dangerous tank without safety measures, risking their lives for profit.
Family members of the deceased and other workers who had done similar jobs have demanded strict action. Following the complaint, Danilimda police have registered a case against factory owner Naushad Sheikh and contractor Jignesh Purbiya for negligence causing death.
A senior police official stated, “Preliminary investigation suggests the deaths were caused by gas inhalation inside the underground sewage tank. It also appears that the workers were not provided safety gear. Danilimda police have detained the factory owner and contractor for questioning.”