Surat Diamond Factory Mass Poisoning: 118 Hospitalized, Police Suspect Insider Job

Surat: A suspected mass poisoning incident at Anab Gems, a diamond processing unit in Surat’s Kapodra area, left 118 workers hospitalized on April 9. The victims fell ill after consuming water from a common filter, which was allegedly contaminated with Celphos, a toxic pesticide commonly used to preserve grains.

The situation escalated around 9:30 AM when multiple workers began experiencing dizziness and breathing difficulties shortly after starting their shift. The affected employees were promptly taken to Kiran Hospital and Diamond Hospital. Six individuals were admitted to the ICU, and all were kept under observation for 24 hours.

Suspicion arose when Nikunj, a relative of the factory manager, detected a strange odor in the drinking water. A plastic pouch containing Celphos tablets was later found inside the filter, suggesting deliberate contamination.

Celphos, known for its fast-acting toxicity, can cause fatal cardiac arrest when ingested. The discovery of the pouch raised serious concerns about an attempted mass poisoning.

Law enforcement, led by DCP Alok Kumar, initiated a probe under Section 109(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempted murder. Investigators revealed that access to the water filter requires navigating several locked doors, indicating possible involvement by someone familiar with the facility. Notably, there were no CCTV cameras installed near the water system.

Police are now reviewing footage from nearby areas and believe an insider may be responsible. The Forensic Science Laboratory has been called in to support the investigation, and over 50 workers have already been questioned.

Anab Gems is owned by Jivrajbhai Shamjibhai Gabani, a businessman from Khopala village who manages five diamond units in Surat. Gabani is also a trustee of both hospitals treating the affected workers.

The incident prompted swift action from senior officials. State Health Minister Rushikesh Patel, Education Minister Praful Panseria, Surat Mayor Dakshesh Mavani, and Municipal Commissioner Shalini Agrawal visited the hospitals to oversee the situation. A high-priority investigation has been ordered by the police commissioner.

Authorities have formed three dedicated teams to probe the possible roles of artisans, dealers, and sub-dealers linked to the factory. Currently, four to five workers are under close scrutiny as police continue efforts to uncover who orchestrated the suspected poisoning.