Surat: A major health emergency unfolded at Anabh Gems, a diamond cutting and polishing unit in the Kapodra area, after 118 employees fell ill on Tuesday, reportedly due to drinking water from a cooler that contained a pouch of Celphos—aluminum phosphide, a toxic chemical used as a pesticide and rodenticide.

The incident began around 12:30 pm when workers started complaining of breathlessness and stomach discomfort. The situation escalated quickly, with 104 workers rushed to Kiran Hospital. Two of them were moved to the ICU for irregular heartbeats, while 14 others were treated at Diamond Hospital, and 4 of them are in the ICU as of now. Most workers are currently stable.

Police and forensic officials launched an investigation and recovered a sealed pouch of Celphos (aluminum phosphide) from the water cooler. Officials believe the intact seal may have limited the toxic exposure. CCTV footage is being reviewed for possible sabotage, and an FIR is expected after the forensic report.

It is noteworthy that there was no CCTV coverage near the water filter, and there is a possibility that someone from within the premises deliberately tampered with the cooler. Police suspect that the individual might have brought a pesticide pouch, typically used in grains, from outside and, upon getting the chance, tore open the plastic cover and dropped it into the cooler.

Minister of State for Education, Praful Panseriya, visited Surat to assess the situation and briefed the chief minister and health minister. Authorities are not ruling out foul play and continue to probe the matter. DeshGujarat