The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case with regard to unauthorised industrial and commercial units operating in residential areas of north-east Delhi. The move follows recent allegations that the toxins released by these units claimed two lives.
The case has been registered against certain officials of the East Delhi Municipal Corporation and the Delhi government, following a Delhi High Court directive on a news report about the death of two residents allegedly due to toxic chemicals released by denim washing units.
Water contaminated
It has been alleged that the toxins contaminated drinking water in the area, leading to the spread of diseases like cancer.
The agency has invoked provisions related to criminal conspiracy, corruption, and causing grievous hurt by acts endangering the life or personal safety of others.
On May 25, taking cognisance of the deaths, the Delhi High Court had directed the CBI to probe unauthorised commercial and industrial activities in north-east Delhi’s Shiv Vihar and Karawal Nagar. The agency was asked to determine if there had been any deaths due to the toxins, and since when these units have been functioning illegally.
If the CBI establishes that the units were running without authorisation, it will also be asked to identify the officials under whose jurisdiction and tenure the units were allowed to function.