SIT formed to probe Ludhiana gas leak, Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia by PMO

The death toll in the gas leakage incident that occurred in Giaspura in Ludhiana district on Sunday has risen to 11. The Punjab Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Ludhiana gas leak, which has claimed 11 lives so far.
“A separate five-member SIT has been formed by the police, which will include senior officers. It is expected that its conclusion will be revealed soon. We do not want any kind of loss to happen in the future, so negligence will not be done,” Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu said on Monday. A technical team has also been formed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board, which will examine the disposal of all the industry’s waste here.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) investigating the Ludhiana gas leak case on Monday said the release of hydrogen sulphide gas was the “possible reason” for the deaths. “This accident happened due to the leak of hydrogen sulphide gas. However, how the gas was formed remains a subject of investigation. The level of gas in the air has been continuously checked since last night. The level has declined,” NDRF’s Assistant Commandant DL Jakhar said.
In the aftermath of the incident, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) in the Ludhiana gas leak accident. In a tweet posted on the official page of the PMO, Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the incident. “Expressing grief over the tragic incident due to gas leakage in Ludhiana, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh through PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased. 50,000 will be given to each injured person,” tweeted the PMO.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow and anguish at the gas leakage incident and assured all possible help to those affected. Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced on Sunday Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia compensation to the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured and admitted to the hospital in the incident.
Ludhiana Deputy Commissioner Surabhi Malik has appealed to the public to avoid panic and ignore any kind of rumour related to the incident. “We appeal that you don’t believe any kind of rumour and do not panic.”