Maharashtra police registered an FIR regarding an oleum gas leak in Palghar on March 2, 2026, following an incident reported around 2 pm. The leak occurred at Bagaria in the Tarapur Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation area, prompting immediate action from local authorities.

Superintendent of Police Yatish Deshmukh confirmed that there was no life-threatening situation at the leakage spot, stating, “There is nothing like a life-threatening (situation) at the leakage spot right now.” In response to the incident, police evacuated 200 people from the factory compound where the leak was detected.

In a separate incident, a Gujarat resident was arrested for allegedly allowing fraudsters to use his bank account in a scam that cheated a 77-year-old man of ₹2.25 crore. The fraudsters posed as law-enforcement officers, threatening the victim with a terrorism investigation and instructing him to pay ₹2.5 crore to clear his name.

Authorities are actively investigating this case, with a police officer from the North Cyber police station stating, “We have taken custody of the account holder and are trying to find out more about the fraudsters.” This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding financial scams targeting vulnerable individuals.

As the festival of Holi approaches, police have increased deployment statewide to combat illegal activities. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde has urged citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Holi, advising against the use of chemical colors. She stated, “I urge citizens to celebrate an eco-friendly Holi by avoiding chemical colours.”

These events underscore the Maharashtra police’s commitment to public safety and crime prevention in the region. Observers will be watching closely for further updates on both the oleum gas leak and the ongoing investigation into the fraud case. Details remain unconfirmed.

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The Palghar Collector issued a statement indicating that the leak started around 2 pm from a 2,500 litre oleum storage tank at the facility, which previously operated under the name Zealot Chemicals. The oleum fuming sulphuric acid reacted with the atmosphere, producing sulphur dioxide and various sulphur oxides, which created a thick white cloud that rapidly dispersed over a three to five kilometre area.

Incident Overview

Due to the south-easterly wind patterns, regions such as Camlin Naka, Taki Naka, Saravali, Khaira Pada, and the vicinity of the Boisar railway station were affected. A fog-like layer of white fumes enveloped Boisar, causing significant concern among both residents and industrial workers.

Approximately 1600 students and 1000 employees were ‘relocated’ from the area.

As a precautionary measure, over 2,600 individuals were evacuated, which included nearly 1,600 students from Tarapur Vidyamandir and Chinmaya Vidyalaya, along with more than 1,000 employees from Bhageria Industries and nearby factories. The residential area of MIDC was also evacuated.

Emergency Response Actions

Residents experienced symptoms including eye discomfort, redness, coughing, throat irritation, skin rashes, and nausea. At least three individuals needed hospitalization and were reported to be in stable condition. Officials later stated that approximately five workers might have been exposed to the oleum gas.

Following the incident, District Collector Dr. Indu Rani Jakhar promptly activated the district’s disaster management strategy. Response teams from the NDRF, fire department, police, industrial safety agency, and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board swiftly arrived at the location.

Due to the significant buildup of fumes, response teams initially struggled to identify the exact origin of the leak. NDRF personnel entered the site equipped with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) kits, while sandbags were placed around the leaking tank to prevent the chemical from spreading. Fire tenders from MIDC supported the operation.

Impact on Local Area

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Yatish Deshmukh, the Superintendent of Police in Palghar, who oversaw the situation on the ground, reported that after more than three hours of continuous efforts, the leak was successfully contained at 6:45 pm.

The district administration previously issued a warning urging residents to stay calm and to evacuate in the direction opposite to the wind. They advised covering the nose and mouth with a damp cloth or mask, refraining from contact with the leaked oleum gas, rinsing any exposed skin or eyes with clean water for 15 to 20 minutes, seeking prompt medical help if symptoms continue, and avoiding the spread of misinformation.

Health and Safety Concerns

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board has initiated air quality monitoring systems, and healthcare facilities have been put on standby.

No fatalities or significant damage to property have been reported. The precise reason for the leak remains undetermined, and an investigation is anticipated.

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