Chemical mafia caught polluting Sabarmati river in Kheda

A major environmental crime has been exposed in the Rasikpura area of Kheda district. The Kheda Local Crime Branch (LCB) raided an illegal dyeing and processing factory called Aman Traders and found that it was releasing toxic chemical waste directly into the Sabarmati River through a secret underground pipeline about 100 meters long.

The raid took place on June 3, after the police received a tip-off about illegal activities at the factory. The operation lasted from evening until midnight.

During the search, police found that the factory was operating without permission from the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB). Police detained a worker, Rajesh Sukhram Meghwal, from the factory. During questioning, officials learned that the unit was allegedly owned by Shakeelhussain Sharifbhai Chauhan of Ahmedabad.

Officials seized several textile processing machines, chemical powders, acid containers, caustic soda, and other equipment from the factory. They also discovered a cement pond connected to an underground pipeline that carried polluted water directly into the river. Officials from GPCBand the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) also visited the site. 

A criminal case has been registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) related to environmental pollution and threats to public safety.

Experts warn that such chemical waste in rivers can cause serious health problems, including cancer, liver, and kidney damage, skin diseases, and the death of animals. Contaminated water can also affect agriculture and dairy farming.

Authorities are continuing their investigation to identify others involved in the illegal operation and determine the full extent of the environmental damage.