Tanker driver held for dumping hazardous chemical in drain

A tanker driver was arrested Thursday for allegedly dumping a poisonous chemical waste in a drain that caused a health scare in a residential area here last week, the police said.

About 1550 people had taken ill on October 3 after inhaling the noxious fumes released by the chemical.

Superintendent of Police, West, Siddharth Bahuguna told reporters the accused Prakash Bala (40) has been arrested on a tip off.

"Bala started dumping chemical in a nullah in Bhagirathpura area. He fled soon after the chemical started emitting gas," he said.

The SP said the driver again unloaded the remaining waste in a nullah under Kshipra police station area.

"As per a preliminary report submitted to police by the State Pollution Control Board, the chemical waste was of acidic nature which might have proved dangerous for the human life," the SP said.

He said Bala transported the chemical waste stored in a warehouse in Nagda town of Ujjain district, over 100 kms from Indore, for dumping.

Police have announced a reward of Rs 10,000 each for information on the owners of the tanker and the warehouse.

The residents of settlements adjoining the nullah in Bhagirathpura area had complained of burning sensation and itching in their eyes. Several people had complained of vomiting and watery eyes.

Around 1550 people were treated at special camps organised in Bhagirathpura area.

A case has been registered under section 308 (Attempt to commit culpable homicide) and other sections of the IPC.

Further investigation is underway.