Ludhiana: The Punjab Police has constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the Ludhiana gas leak which claimed 11 lives so far.

“A separate five-member SIT has been formed by the police, which will include senior officers. It is expected that its conclusion will be revealed soon. We do not want any kind of loss to happen in future, so negligence will not be done,” Police Commissioner Mandeep Singh Sidhu said on Monday.

A technical team has also been formed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board which will examine the disposal of all the industry’s waste here.

“The situation is under observation. We are monitoring gas levels every 2 hrs. A technical team has been formed by the Punjab Pollution Control Board which will examine the disposal of all the industry’s waste here. An investigation is on in the matter. Injured are undergoing treatment,” Ludhiana West SDM Swati told ANI.

The death toll in the gas leakage incident that occured in Giaspura in Ludhiana district on Sunday has risen to 11.

‘A total of 11 persons are dead. There are five females and six males including 2 male children of 10 years and 13 years,” the official said.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) investigating the Ludhiana gas leak case on Monday said the release of the hydrogen sulphide gas was the “possible reason” for the deaths.

“This accident happened due to the leak of hydrogen sulphide gas. However, how the gas was formed remains a subject of investigation. The level of gas in the air is being continuously checked since last night. The level has declined,” NDRF’s Assistant Commandant DL Jakhar said.

The level of gas in the air is being continuously checked by the local administration, the NDRF and the municipal corporation, they said.

Swati Tiwana, SDM, Ludhiana who was present on the spot, too, said the level of gas in the air was being monitored continuously.

“Apart from this, factories are also being inspected by the Punjab Pollution Control Board. We are also examining the CCTV footage for leads on the leak,” Tiwana said.

Of the 11 people who perished in the gas leak, five were from a family, she informed.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced an ex-gratia of Rs 200,000 for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured from the Prime Ministers National Relief Fund (PMNRF) in the Ludhiana gas leak accident.

In a tweet posted on the official page of the PMO, the Prime Minister Modi expressed grief over the incident.

“Expressing grief over the tragic incident due to gas leakage in Ludhiana, the Prime Minister @narendramodi has announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs 2 lakh through PMNRF for the next of kin of each deceased. 50,000 will be given to each injured person,” tweeted the PMO.

In the aftermath of the incident, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed deep sorrow and anguish at the gas leakage incident and assured all possible help to those affected.

“The incident of a gas leak in the factory in the Giaspura area of Ludhiana is very sad. Police, government and NDRF teams are present at the spot. All possible help is being extended to the affected. Rest details soon,” Punjab CM Mann tweeted.

Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh on Sunday announced Rs 200,000 ex-gratia compensation to the family members of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for those injured and admitted to the hospital in the incident.