Chemist dies after methanol leak at Parawada pharma plant

M. Polinaidu (41), a chemist at Deccan Remedies Limited (DRL), died on Monday while undergoing treatment after reportedly inhaling methanol from a chemical tank leak on the plant premises in Parawada, Anakapalli district, last Friday, according to Ganisetty Satyanarayana, honorary president of the Pharma Staff and Workers Union.

Mr. Satyanarayana demanded that ₹1 crore compensation be paid to the family of the deceased and that a thorough investigation be conducted into the incident.

Speaking to reporters at the plant on Monday, he said he had inspected the site where the leak occurred around noon on Friday. Polinaidu was admitted to a private hospital that afternoon and died at around 6 a.m. on Monday from the effects of methanol inhalation. He alleged that the company management attempted to keep the matter confidential and demanded criminal action against them. He added that the union would also file a complaint with the District Collector.

Deputy Inspector of Factories K. Parameswara Rao told The Hindu that an investigation had been initiated. He said preliminary findings indicated that methanol inhalation was the cause of death and that the chemist had not been wearing protective equipment at the time of the incident.