Meera Bhardwaj:
It was on first of December that N M Prathap conducted the Sodium metal blast at Tumakuru district, Karnataka. Taking cognizance of the illegal science experiment held in an irrigation pond, the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) as also Karnataka Police have initiated action against Prathap who is also known as Drone Prathap.
The so-called science experiment came to light only on 10.12.2024 when Prathap released the video on YouTube where he gleefully explained the Sodium metal explosion in a water body as dangerous and hazardous and even told his viewers how explosive the sodium metal was when it comes in contact with water or moisture.
INVESTIGATIONS BY KARNATAKA POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD
As per investigations conducted by the regional office of the KSPCB at Madhugiri taluk, Tumakuru district, in the aftermath of a registration of a police case, it was found that the sodium blast was conducted in I D Halli village, Madhugiri taluk in survey no: 66/3 and the officers noted it was an illegal and unscientific explosion.
According to Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Section 24, prohibits the disposal of polluting matter into streams, ponds, wells, sewers and land. The penalty for contravening these provisions under Section 24 is imprisonment for a term of at least one year and six months and not more than six years along with a fine.
BOOKED FOR ILLEGAL ACT
In fact, Prathap was booked for violating also sections 31 and 33 of Water Act as he conducted sodium metal blast in an irrigation pond without permission or information.
He was further booked under Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986 by KSCPB which provides a legal framework for protection, conservation and enhancement of environmental resources while addressing issues related to environmental degradation and pollution control.
ON THE SPOT INVESTIGATIONS
It was on 13.12.24 that KSPCB directed its regional office at Tumakuru to investigate the matter and initiate action against the offender.
As per directions of KSPCB, on 16.12.24, environmental officers visited the spot in I D Halli village and they found the following evidences:
- The survey no: 66/3 where the sodium blast was conducted in an irrigation pond was owned by Jithendra Jain.
- The pond’s dimension was 80×60 feet and had a depth of 5-6 feet and further it was covered by a plastic sheet.
- No fishing activities was found in the pond which is situated in I D Halli, on the connecting road to Janakaloti village.
- N M Prathap, son of Marimadaiah who conducted the blast belongs to Netkal village in Malvalli taluk of Mandya district.
- Workers at the pond said water is presently not being utilized for any purpose.
- The nearby borewell water too has been sent for analysis to the lab.
- There is no other water body in and around 500 metres from the blast site.
SENT FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE LAB INVESTIGATION
Meanwhile, concerned materials and evidences with respect to the sodium metal blast in water have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for investigation.
Further, notices have been sent by KSPCB to both N M Prathap and owner Jithendra Jain who allowed the sodium metal blast experiment in his agricultural land at I D Halli.
POLICE ACTION UNDER EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES ACT
Initiating police action against N M Prathap, the Midigeshi Police, Madhugiri booked him under Section 3 of The Explosives Substances Act, 1908 on 15.12.2024.
As per this section, it deals with punishment for causing an explosion unlawfully or maliciously that could endanger life or property. The punishment is severe which includes imprisonment for life or at least 10 years plus a fine.
BOOKED UNDER BHARTIYA NYAAY SANHITA
Earlier on 12.12.2024, Prathap was arrested under section 37 of Bhartiya Nyaay Sanhita for conducting the sodium metal explosion in a water body at I D Halli in Tumakuru district in Karnataka.
On 13.12.2024, Prathap was produced before the local court and has been remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.