Bengaluru/Lakhimpur, February 1: Four young migrant workers from Assam were found dead inside a locked rented room in the Mutsandra area of Hoskote taluk on the outskirts of Bengaluru on January 31. Preliminary investigations and forensic findings indicate that the deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning following a cooking gas leak.
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| The four Assam youths whose lives were claimed by a gas leak while asleep in their rented accommodation |
The victims were identified as Jayanta Sinte Khageswar (23) of Salmari, Naoboicha; Doctor Taid (18) and his brother Dhananjay Taid (23) from Namoni Borshamukh; and Narendranath Taid (30), also from Namoni Borshamukh in Lakhimpur district, Assam. All four were working at a Coca-Cola warehouse in the area.
According to forensic experts, the gas leak occurred inside a small, poorly ventilated room where the youths were staying. The victims reportedly failed to detect the leak while asleep. As carbon monoxide- a colourless, odourless and highly toxic gas - accumulated in the confined space, it led to rapid suffocation. Experts said the gas can prove fatal within minutes, with reports suggesting the youths may have succumbed within around 30 minutes.
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The tragedy came to light when the youths failed to report for duty on Saturday morning. Concerned colleagues and friends repeatedly knocked on the door of the rented room and, after receiving no response, forced entry. The victims were found lying on their beds, with witnesses describing visible signs consistent with carbon monoxide exposure.
Police have registered an Unnatural Death Report (UDR) and stated that while the deaths appear to be accidental, forensic reports are awaited for final confirmation. Family members have sought a thorough probe to rule out any foul play.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed deep anguish over the deaths and assured the families of all possible assistance. He said the state government is coordinating with Karnataka authorities to bring back the mortal remains to Assam for the last rites.
The incident has raised concerns over the safety of migrant workers living in cramped accommodations and the dangers of using cooking gas in unventilated spaces.
