A serious health incident occurred at Anabh Gems, a diamond-cutting and polishing unit in Surat’s Kapodra area, where 118 workers fell ill after consuming contaminated water from a cooler on 9 April 2025. The affected employees experienced symptoms such as dizziness, breathlessness, and nausea, leading to their hospitalisation.
Investigations revealed that a pouch of Celphos, a toxic pesticide containing aluminium phosphide, was found in the water cooler. Fortunately, the pouch was intact, which likely prevented a more severe outcome. However, the incident raised significant concerns about workplace safety and potential sabotage.
The police registered a case of attempted murder and initiated a thorough investigation. CCTV footage was reviewed, and forensic teams collected samples for analysis. Subsequent inquiries led to the arrest of an assistant manager at the factory, who admitted to placing the poison in the cooler during a suicide attempt. He panicked when others approached and discarded the pouch into the water cooler to conceal his actions.
This incident underscores the critical importance of mental health awareness and support in the workplace. It also highlights the need for stringent safety protocols to prevent such occurrences. Employers must ensure that employees have access to mental health resources and that safety measures are in place to protect workers from potential hazards.
The swift response by medical personnel and law enforcement helped mitigate the situation. Most of the affected workers have been discharged, with a few remaining under observation. The incident serves as a wake-up call for industries to prioritise employee well-being and safety.
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