Three people were killed and three others were declared critical after inhaling poisonous gas emanated during cleaning a chamber in a meat processing plant, owned by former BSP MP Shahid Akhlaq’s brother Haji Rashid Akhlaq in Meerut district.
The management of the plant reportedly fled from the Jagdambika Hospital when doctors declared the three employees brought dead. Agitated workers held massive demonstrations and jammed the Meerut-Hapur highways for hours. They lifted the jam only when the management announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victims’ families.
District Magistrate, Meerut Anil Dhingra has ordered a probe into the incident, and has directed concerned authorities to register a case against the owner and manager of Al Yasir Meat Processing plant, situated at the Allipur Zizmana village on Hapur Road in Meerut.
Those who died after inhaling poisonous gas have been identified as Ajay (26), Yogedra (22) and Guddu (18). Satveer, an employee of the plant told the police that the incident took place when they were cleaning the ETP chamber on Thursday evening.
When Guddu entered the chamber, he inhaled the poisonous gas and fell unconscious. Ajay and Yogendra too met the same fate when they jumped into the chamber to save him. The three died on the spot, while three were hospitalized. Their condition is said to be critical.
Former BSP MP Shahid Akhlaq and in his brother Rashid run several meat processing plants in Western Uttar Pradesh. They are one of the largest beef exporters in the area. Shahid was the richest candidate during 2014 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh with total his total assets pegged over Rs 175 crore.
Former BJP State President Dr Laxmikant Bajpai has sought a high-level probe and action against the owners. The DM Meerut Anil Dhingra said that he has directed the ADM to probe the incident and conduct raids in other plants to check security measures.
“It was unfortunate that we lost three precious lives. We have already announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of victims. My company will provide all help to the families for their loss and rehabilitation,” said Rashid Akhlaq.
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