Vizag police registers FIR against LG Polymers over gas leak

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered against LG Polymers with regard to the gas leak incident early Thursday, which led to the death of 10 people and affected many others.

The FIR was registered against the company management at Gopalapatnam police station under Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 278 (Making atmosphere noxious to health, 284 (Negligent conduct with respect to poisonous substance), 285 (Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 337 A(Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) 338 (Causing grievous hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others) and 304 IIA (culpable homicide not amounting to murder).

Police said it registered the case on a complaint by M. V. Subba Rao, Village Revenue Officer of RR Venkatapuram village near the chemical plant.

The complainant said the gas leakage from the plant at about 3.30 a.m. affected Venkatapuram and other villages and resulted in the loss of lives and sought action against the company management for the same.

Meanwhile, LG Polymers in a statement said it has mobilized its technical teams to work with the investigating authorities to arrive at the exact cause of the incident.

“We would like to express our deepest condolences to the deceased and their families. At this moment our top priority is to work closely with the local government and the authorities to ensure medical help is provided to all those who have been affected by this incident. As a responsible global citizen it is our responsibility to ensure the health and safety of all local residents and our employees,” the company said.

“As a global company we hold international environment and safety standards with the highest regard and will do our best to cooperate with the authorities to ensure there is no further recurrence,” it added.