Probe on sabotage theory to continue: Minister

A day after a top police official ruled out sabotage theory behind the 'gas leak' from Kerala Minerals and Metals Limited (KMML) at Chavara here that affected around 70 children, state Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala today said the probe into the angle would continue in view of allegations.
Talking to reporters after a high-level meeting attended among others by Industries Minister P K Kunhalikutty that discussed the report of the expert committee that made a preliminary probe, Chennithala said lapses had occured on the part of company management.
But no final conclusion had been reached on this aspect and action would be taken against erring officials after the probe was over, he said.

ADGP (Intelligence) A Hemachandran, who headed the expert committee, had yesterday ruled out sabotage theory.
Chennithala also said there was no need for panic on account of the gas leak and government was giving more attention on strengthening the safety measures in the company.
All steps would be taken to continue the operation of the company by rectifying defects if any, he added.

Kunhalikutty said a minor leak occured, but it had not caused any major health problem to the children of nearby school who felt uneasiness on August 6 and 7.
A high level meeting to be chaired by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy would be held tomorrow to discuss the short and long term measures to be introduced to strengthen the safety aspects in the company taking the incident as a pointer, he said.

The 'leak' had sparked a row with political parties and workers of the company alleging a conspiracy to scuttle the operation of the Company by private business interests eyeing to tap rare earth and minerals available in the area by ending virtual monoply of the PSU over them.
They questioned how only children were affected by the "leak" and adult in the area had no problem.