Sixty-eight migrant workers from Assam affected by the ammonia gas leak at St Peter & Paul Sea Foods Exports Private Limited in Tamil Nadu's Tiruvallur district were sent back to their hometown on Monday, nine days after the industrial tragedy that claimed 16 lives.
The workers, including 24 women, departed from Ezhumbur railway station after travel arrangements were coordinated by the authorities in consultation with the Assam government. Officials said the repatriation process is part of ongoing efforts to assist migrant workers affected by the June 21 gas leak.
Earlier, 62 migrant workers from Odisha had also been sent back to their home state. With the departure of the Assam workers, 41 migrant workers from Jharkhand remain at the government relief camp while awaiting railway reservations. Officials from the Jharkhand Labour Department said delays in securing train tickets have slowed the repatriation process.
Authorities also confirmed that some workers have decided to stay back in Tamil Nadu to care for their relatives who remain hospitalised following the incident. At present, three workers from Kerala and three from West Bengal continue to receive treatment at a private hospital in Periyapalayam.
Meanwhile, the Communist Party of India (CPI) staged demonstrations across Tamil Nadu, demanding justice for the victims of the ammonia gas leak and seeking accountability for the industrial accident.
The repatriation of the affected workers marks another step in the relief efforts as authorities continue to facilitate the safe return of migrant labourers impacted by one of the state's deadliest industrial incidents in recent months.
