Police took Harsha Gopal Kadam, CEO and managing director of Schaeffler India Limited, into custody on Monday as part of an investigation into a June accident at the company’s Talegaon factory that killed two workers, the company said in an Oct. 20 regulatory filing.
The filing gives the custody time as around 9:10 a.m. EDT (13:10 UTC) on Oct. 19, converted from its stated time of 6:40 p.m. IST. It says the investigation is being conducted under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023. Schaeffler India said police expanded the inquiry because Kadam holds the role of “occupier” at the plant under applicable law.
The company said the June 9 accident happened during a scheduled carbon dioxide cylinder replacement, when gas was suddenly released. The two workers who died were employed by a service provider.
Police registered a first information report (FIR) on July 4 naming six company and contractor officials and referring to others, The Indian Express and Hindustan Times reported. The newspapers said police alleged safety deficiencies at the work area, including inadequate ventilation and emergency exits, a lack of protective equipment and no standby rescue team. These remain allegations reported in connection with the investigation.
Schaeffler India said its officers had cooperated with investigators and would continue to do so. The company said senior managers remain responsible for daily operations and business continues.
