MRPL Tragedy: FIR filed against six officials following worker's death

Following the tragic gas leak incident at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL) that claimed the lives of two workers on Saturday, the Surathkal police have registered a case against six MRPL officials. The FIR comes in response to a complaint filed by the wife of one of the deceased, Deepchandra Bhartiya.

Deepchandra Bhartiya, a native of Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh, and Bijil Prasad from Kerala, both assistant operations officers at MRPL, died after being exposed to toxic fumes while inspecting a suspected gas leak in a tank. Preliminary reports confirmed they suffocated due to the intensity of the gas.

Officials, including the Surathkal Deputy Tahsildar, visited the site and submitted a primary report to the Deputy Commissioner.

As Bhartiya’s body was transported to his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, family members of the deceased reportedly halted the team accompanying the body, demanding a detailed explanation from MRPL authorities regarding the circumstances leading to his death. They also insisted on a formal assurance of compensation.

In response to the incident, MRPL employees’ unions have called for a protest in front of the company’s cargo gate at 9:00 a.m. on Monday. The protest demands adequate compensation for the families of both deceased employees and accountability from senior management.

The company is yet to issue an official statement on the FIR. Meanwhile, a high-level internal inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the gas leak and assess lapses in safety protocols.