Alang ship recycling industry fears worker's death may hurt global image

Police case against unit and closure notice are unfair to business facing stiff competition, says association

The ship recycling industry in Alang, Gujarat, fears for its global image as a worker’s “accedental” death — the first in decades — has prompted the police to file a case of negligence.

The worker died on June 3 when a steel plate cut from a vessel fell on him. The police filed a case against the plot owner, manager and safety officer, and the Gujarat Maritime Board (GMB) later issued a closure notice to the business where the worker died.

The industry protested the police case and notice, requesting Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to ensure a fair investigation to