In a shocking incident that has raised serious concerns about worker safety, 118 employees of a diamond-cutting factory in Surat’s Kapodara area fell ill after consuming water contaminated with a toxic substance.
The incident, which occurred at the Anub Gems factory in the Millennium Complex near Hirabaug, has prompted local authorities to register an attempt to murder case and launch an intensive investigation to determine the origins of the contamination. The incident unfolded when several workers at the factory, which employs over 150 people, reported feeling dizzy and unwell after drinking water from a cooler installed within the premises. The workers soon noticed a foul smell emanating from the water, which led the factory management to investigate further. As the situation worsened, with many workers showing signs of severe illness, an emergency response was initiated. Upon arriving at the scene, police investigators made a disturbing discovery—an open packet of Celphos (aluminium phosphide), a highly toxic chemical, found near the water cooler. Another packet of the same chemical was also found, still sealed. Celphos, which is primarily used as a fumigant in agriculture, is extremely dangerous and can be lethal if ingested or inhaled.
The factory’s management quickly arranged for medical care, with 104 of the 118 affected workers being rushed to Kiran Hospital and 14 to Diamond Hospital. Two workers, who were in critical condition, were admitted to the ICU, while the others were treated for minor symptoms and released. The rapid medical response helped prevent what could have been a far worse outcome. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) V.R. Patel confirmed the severity of the situation, noting that five separate investigation teams had been formed to scrutinise CCTV footage and look for any suspicious activity on the factory premises. “The packet of Celphos found near the cooler is under thorough investigation. We are tracing the packaging number to identify its buyer and the supply chain,” Patel stated. One of the workers recalled the moment the water’s strange smell became apparent, recalling that the discovery of the Celphos packet led the management to immediately halt the consumption of the water. “It was a terrible feeling. Several employees began to feel dizzy, and when the chemical packet was found, we realised something was terribly wrong,” one worker told reporters.
Police are treating this case with utmost seriousness. An attempt to murder charge has been filed under Section 109(1) of the Indian Penal Code, which allows for prosecution in cases involving acts that are likely to lead to death. Authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the contamination, which could have had far-reaching consequences had the chemical been consumed in larger quantities or left unchecked. The incident highlights the critical need for stringent safety protocols, particularly in industrial settings where worker health and wellbeing are at risk. While the precise motive behind the poisoning remains unclear, authorities are exploring all possible leads, including potential malfeasance within the factory or external interference. As investigators continue to examine the evidence, including forensic tests on the chemical, workers and their families are left grappling with the trauma of an event that could have had far more devastating results. The case also raises questions about the regulation of chemical substances in industrial environments and the need for better safeguards to prevent such incidents in the future.
Surat, known for its thriving diamond industry, has witnessed rapid industrial growth in recent decades, but this incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with industrial work. While the police probe continues, there is growing concern over the safety standards in workplaces across the region and the long-term health effects of such exposure on the workers involved.
Surat Workers Poisoned After Drinking Contaminated Water
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