Schaeffler India CEO Arrested Following Fatal CO2 Leak Incident
Harsha Kadam, CEO of Schaeffler India, has been detained by Maharashtra Police after a tragic CO2 leak at the company's Talegaon facility resulted in two fatalities.
Harsha Kadam and six others arrested over a CO2 leak incident.
The leak occurred due to an illegally constructed pit housing fire cylinders.
Two workers died and three were injured as a result of the incident.
Maharashtra Police have taken Harsha Kadam, the CEO of Schaeffler India, into custody along with six other individuals in connection with a tragic incident involving a CO2 leak at the company's manufacturing plant in Talegaon. This leak, which occurred on June 9, 2026, resulted in the deaths of two laborers and injuries to three others, prompting a thorough investigation by authorities.
The investigation led by the Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health (DISH) uncovered that the plant had an illegally constructed pit that housed 14 fire-extinguishing cylinders and other safety equipment. Authorities revealed that the company had not obtained the necessary permits for the construction of this pit, which was a critical factor in the incident. The police stated that standard operating procedures for the pit's construction and maintenance were not followed, leading to the unfortunate events.
According to police reports, the pit was located near the heat treatment section of the plant. The investigation confirmed that Schaeffler India had never applied for the required permissions, which are mandated by law. This negligence is believed to have contributed significantly to the CO2 leak, which occurred during the replacement of the cylinders, resulting in the tragic loss of life.
The implications of this incident extend beyond the immediate tragedy, raising serious concerns about workplace safety regulations and enforcement in Maharashtra. The police are currently examining how such an illegal structure was allowed to operate without oversight and which authorities failed to conduct regular inspections. This incident has sparked discussions on the need for stricter enforcement of safety protocols in industrial settings to prevent future occurrences.
As the investigation continues, Harsha Kadam remains hospitalized due to fluctuating blood pressure following his arrest. He is currently under judicial custody. The Maharashtra Police are expected to provide further updates as they delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the construction of the pit and the overall safety practices at the Schaeffler plant.
