Mix of waste, acid residue, chemicals dumped in Valdhuni

The pollutant released by five tankers into the Valdhuni river in Ambarnath on November 29 early in the morning due to which around 600 people had been affected has been identified. It is a mixture of liquid waste, acid residue, metal and organic impurities. The organic compound which affected locals is 2- Butanone, popularly known as MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone). It has low toxicity and its effects resemble symptoms observed in the people affected. Further investigations are on, said Dr Amar Supate principal scientific officer, MPCB Mumbai.

The Ambarnath police too have done investigation, after which they arrested five tanker drivers on December 5. The five people who were arrested were identified as Rahul sudharkar Sheth, 42, a driver from Mahad, Ravindra Ramesh Pawar, 27, from Mahad, Anand Rao Gorakh Pawar, 28, also from Mahad.

An official from Ambarnath police station said, "We have nabbed the culprits and will soon solve the case."