Shillong, Jul 13: An FIR has been registered against the owner and contractor of a premises following the tragic deaths of five men due to carbon monoxide inhalation.
East Khasi Hills Superintendent of Police Vivek Syiem said the FIR was lodged against the owner of the premises, K Hinge and the contractor, M Beena. The case has been lodged under Section 106(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for causing death by negligence and relevant provisions of the Disaster Management Act.
Syiem said notices were issued to both the owner and contractor under Section 35 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS). He stated that both individuals were examined, and while they have not been arrested yet, their statements are being recorded.
He said the investigation is ongoing and police are awaiting reports from various government departments before deciding the next course of action.
“We are waiting for opinions from departments such as Pollution Control and Water Resources to determine whether there was any negligence on the part of the owner and the contractor. These departments have already visited the site, and once we receive their reports, we will decide how to proceed with the case,” he added.
Five people, including two siblings, died due to suffocation from toxic gases while cleaning a private water tank in Lapalang, here on July 10. The victims included two brothers who tried to rescue workers who were trapped inside the water tank.
According to to preliminary reports, a diesel-engine pump, which emitted high levels of carbon monoxide, was being used to drain water out of the well.
The three labourers—Pynskhemlang Mawthoh, Rapborlang Nongspung and Elka Shadap—were trapped at the bottom of a well. Sunil Thakuri (34) and his brother Umesh Thakuri (30) died while attempting to rescue them.
The Thakuri brothers, residents of Nongrah, were the sole breadwinners for their family. Sunil, a widower, is survived by two young children besides his elderly parents and younger brother.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma said those found responsible for violating safety rules would face legal action.
“Action will be taken against those responsible. There were rules and certain activities were prohibited. Anyone violating those rules is breaking the law, and appropriate action will be taken against them,” the Chief Minister said.
Acknowledging the financial hardship faced by the victims’ families, Sangma said the government is exploring ways to provide assistance despite the absence of any specific provision under disaster relief norms for such accidents.
“I have received representations from various NPP party units requesting support for the families. Since all the victims belonged to economically weaker sections of society, we are examining ways to provide assistance. The challenge is that the Disaster Management framework has no provision for compensation in accidents of this nature, but we will examine the matter and take a decision,” he said.
