Deadline for filing a report on an ammonia gas leak at the factory has been extended to October 20

The deadline for filing a detailed report on the ammonia gas leak at Jain Ice Mill by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Jalandhar-1, has been extended by 15 days. The report was originally due to be presented today. It is now scheduled to be submitted on October 20th.

The gas leak that occurred at the factory near Damoria flyover on September 21 resulted in the death of a 68-year-old migrant worker, identified as Sheetal Singh.

After the gas leak, the deputy commissioner Dr. Himanshu Aggarwal called for a judicial inquiry into the incident. The SDM was tasked with investigating the cause of the gas leak, identifying those responsible and assessing any lapses in safety protocols or negligence by factory management. Additionally, the concerned authority and the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) have been directed to inspect similar units to prevent such incidents in future.

The deadline has been extended due to the recent administrative transfers and the upcoming panchayat elections. Aggarwal confirmed the delay and cited elections as a major factor. “The report will now be submitted on October 20th. Based on the findings, further action will be taken,” the DC said.

The commission police had registered an FIR against factory owner Ninni Kumar Jain and unnamed officials of several government agencies in connection with the ammonia gas leak.

The FIR was registered under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 61(2) (criminal conspiracy) of the BNS. Officials of the municipal corporation, industries department, Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and PPCB have been named in the FIR for negligence.

Police claimed they were investigating how the factory was allowed to operate in such a densely populated area without proper permits, raising questions about the officials concerned' disregard for safety standards.