Bhubaneswar: After the gas leak mishap in Tamil Nadu claimed the lives of 14 workers from Odisha, the state Labour Department has initiated legal action against a local middleman, allegedly responsible for sending workers to the factory with false promises.
As part of the action, the Labour Departme
nt has filed written complaints against the broker and the prime accused, identified as Srikanta Juang, at six police stations across Kendujhar district.
A specific FIR has also been lodged at Telkoi Police Station against Srikanta Juang, who is accused of recruiting workers and sending them to Tamil Nadu by offering attractive assurances.
It is alleged that Srikanta, who hails from Rangamatia village, forged identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, to facilitate the employment of minor girls in the factory.
“We have rescued 58 labourers from the factory. Our team is also in Tamil Nadu to monitor the situation. The rescued labourers will be rehabilitated properly as per government guidelines,” a senior official said.
The death toll in the ammonia gas leak has risen to 14 after 21-year-old Anjali Juang of Kharaba village under Harichandanpur block in Kendujhar district succumbed to her injuries while undergoing treatment.