Delhi University takes ‘moral responsibility’ for radiation leak

NEW DELHI - Delhi University Vice Chancellor Deepak Pental Thursday took moral responsibility for the radiation accident that left one dead and seven in serious condition in hospital and said he would request all varsity members to pitch in to compensate the victims.

“I am going to request the university community to pay compensation. No amount can compensate for those affected but this is a little bit that we can do. We (can) all pitch in and do something for those affected,” Pental told reporters here.

The vice chancellor said the varsity was “very apologetic” and took “moral responsibility” for the radiation leak.

A fortnight ago, the radiation leak was reported from a scrap market in Mayapuri area of west Delhi. Eight people affected by radiation poisoning were admitted to various hospitals.

A team of radiation safety experts from the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, the Narora Atomic Power Station (NAPS) and Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) identified the radiation source at shop No. D2/32 in Mayapuri Phase-II.

The team located and recovered six sources of different intensity. Late Wednesday, police revealed that the radioactive gamma cell containing Cobalt 60 was auctioned by the Delhi University chemistry department two months ago.

Rajender Prasad, 35, who was exposed to Cobalt 60 at the shop and admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) April 8, died April 27 due to multiple organ failure.

Eight people were admitted radiation exposure. While one more scrap dealer is battling for life, others are said to be out of danger.

The gamma cell was used for conducting experiments in analysing the effect of gamma rays on chemicals at the department lab.

The Delhi government Wednesday announced a compensation Rs.2 lakh for Prasad’s family.