Bhubaneswar: The death toll of Odia migrant workers in the ammonia gas leak incident in Tamil Nadu has risen to 14.
Among the deceased is 21-year-old Anjali Juang, daughter of Bhima Juang from Kharba village under Harichandanpur block in Kendujhar district. Apart from 13 persons from Kendujhar district, one person from Khamar area in Angul district also died life in the tragedy.
Meanwhile, serious allegations of illegal recruitment, human trafficking, and document forgery have emerged following the incident. It is alleged that labour contractors forged identity documents, including Aadhaar cards, to employ minor girls in the factory by making them appear as adults.
The Labour Department has filed a complaint at Telkoi police station against Srikant Juang, a labour contractor from Rangamatia village, for these irregularities.
It is learnt that a special police team is likely to be sent to Tamil Nadu soon for a detailed investigation into illegal labour recruitment, human trafficking, and forgery. Similar cases are also expected to be registered at Harichandanpur and Nayakote police stations.
According to the report submitted by the Assistant Labour Officer of Telkoi, Srikant Juang had lured many workers, including minors, in October 2025 with promises of high salaries and good jobs, and sent them to Tamil Nadu. In one such case, minor Yamini Juang from Rangamatia village was shown as Parbati Juang, an adult woman from Balanipashi village, using forged documents. Yamini later died after exposure to toxic ammonia gas.
Meanwhile, the three-member inquiry team constituted by the Tamil Nadu government has held the factory management responsible for the tragedy.
The team found multiple safety violations during an inspection in December, which were not rectified.
The inquiry report has recommended immediate closure of the factory due to the management’s negligence.
Additionally, Tamil Nadu State Women’s Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the case and directed the Tiruvallur District Collector to submit a comprehensive investigation report within four weeks.
The incident has sparked outrage in Odisha, with demands for strict action against those involved in sending minor girls to hazardous workplaces through fraudulent means.
