CHENNAI: As the death toll in Sunday’s ammonia gas leak at St Peter & Paul Sea Food Exports Private Limited in Tiruvallur climbed to 15 on Friday, the first batch of 62 migrant workers from Odisha boarded a train in Chennai at 10 am and set for their hometowns, leaving behind the city where many of their hospitalised friends continue to fight for their lives.
The workers left the MGR Chennai Central station carrying their little belongings and painful memories. Some of them told the TNIE they would never return to work at any kind of factory.
Among them was Rajamika Juang (20), cousin of Geeta Juang (24), one of the victims. Waiting on the platform, Rajamika broke down as she recalled learning about Geeta’s death only after the body had reached their native. “I don’t know what I will tell my parents and relatives,” she said.
Rajamika alleged that despite repeatedly seeking updates at the relief camp, neither the TN authorities nor those in Odisha informed her of Geeta’s death.
“I kept asking about my sister’s health, but nobody gave me a clear answer. My family later called to say her body had reached our village. I will never come back here.” Her experience was echoed by Vidyadhar Juanga, alias Rajesh, who spent two days outside a hospital in Tiruvallur believing he would accompany his 15-year-old sister Gumani’s body home, unaware that her remains had already reached Odisha.
Ananth (21), who got discharged after treatment, said he would never work in a factory again. A few workers wished to stay back, as their relatives continued to undergo treatment.
Independent labour activist Sudharson alleged that one worker wanted to get off the train after learning a relative had been admitted to hospital but could not do so.
He also claimed officials prevented activists from interacting freely with workers.
Rakesh (name changed), a worker from Jharkhand staying at the relief camp, said no officials from his home state had contacted them, unlike Odisha. “Our families are worried and we want to return home,” he said.
District revenue officials told the TNIE that Assam authorities have approached them to arrange a train for workers at the camp in the coming days. No communication has been received from Jharkhand officials so far.
On Friday, the Tiruvallur police arrested P Suresh (41), the principal labour agent, accused of recruiting migrant workers, including minors, for the unit. His arrest took the total number of accused in the case to four.