Oxygen gas was being sold by Kasimpur road located Radha Industrial Gas Plant without any proper testing, license, and registration. On Monday night, the plant was sealed after a night-long investigation by the team led by the City Magistrate. They also cease the company’s bill book and receipts. Supply records are being scrutinized for the last two-month deliveries. District Magistrate was directed to register a case against plant owner Arun Agarwal and has sought a response from the drug inspector.
The administrative team already confiscated all the documents along with 300 cylinders and 4 vehicles last night. The team has questioned plant owner Arun Agarwal in which it was revealed that this plant has been supplying gas in Aligarh, Hathras, Kasgunj and Etah since 24th August. On 7 September, the plant owner applied for a license in the Control of Explosives office, Agra.
After this raid, there is chaos within the departments for persecution. District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh gave a strict warning to the drug inspector for the action. City Magistrate and ACM II team has been instructed to do this activity continuously.
In May 2015, there was a huge explosion in Kasimpur Powerhouse, in which half a dozen people were killed. Experts said that this accident was caused by the explosion of oxygen cylinders, which was supplied by this plant. At that time, this plant was used to prepare liquid oxygen. The administration did not renew the license after the explosion.
District Magistrate Chandra Bhushan Singh said that black marketing of the oxygen cylinder will not be tolerated. The team has been continuously instructed to act proactively. Further action will be taken on the report regarding the fake plant.
Oxygen gas godown closed due to fear of action.
Godown and shops of oxygen gas used in medical and industries remained closed on Tuesday due to the fear of administrative action however these Godowns and shops were open even on the day of lockdown last week. Since 24th August, oxygen cylinders used throughout the district were being black-marketed and the justification of the plant operators was that they are not getting liquid hence refilling is not possible. Brass idol makers and gas welding workers have accused plant operators of black marketing by showing a lack of oxygen. Rs 350 cylinders are selling for Rs 1200. Jitendra Pandit, president of the Gas Association, said that since a week the plant owners have been giving justification of shortage of liquid, hence the warehouses and shops have been closed.