Intimidation after operation kala pani: UP villager who blamed factory for 7 family deaths alleges threats

A villager from Gajraula in Uttar Pradesh’s Amroha district has alleged that he was threatened by officials of Jubilant Ingrevia after speaking to Zee News about pollution concerns surrounding the company’s factory and the deaths and illnesses he claims have affected his family.

The allegation comes days after Zee Media’s investigation, titled ‘Operation Kala Pani’, highlighted the concerns of residents living near the factory, who held the chemical plant responsible for health problems and deaths in their families.

Ajaypal, one of the residents featured in the report, claimed that a company representative questioned him after his account was broadcast. He alleged that he was called to the factory on Friday and threatened over what he had said.

Company official denies threat allegation

During a conversation with Zee Media, Bundi, the factory’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) officer, denied threatening Ajaypal and asked who had made the allegation.

When the reporter identified Ajaypal as the person making the claim, Bundi asked to speak to him directly.

Ajaypal then said that a person, whom he described as a doctor or someone whose exact designation he did not know, had questioned why he had made such statements.

ZEE NEWS का ऑपरेशन 'काला पानी', सवालों में जुबिलेंट इंग्रेविया की गजरौला फैक्ट्री, दावा- बयान देने के बाद फैक्ट्री बुलाकर धमकी दी #UttarPradesh #Gajraula | @pratyushkkhare https://t.co/kef53g4nrD

— Zee News (@ZeeNews) November 14, 2026

Bundi responded that such conduct was wrong and dismissed the allegation as a rumour. Ajaypal, however, maintained that the person had told him that free medical treatment would be provided at the factory.

Villager claims seven family members died in seven years

Zee Media’s earlier report, broadcast on November 12, featured Ajaypal speaking about the deaths in his family. He claimed that seven members of his family had died over a period of seven years.

Residents living around the Jubilant Ingrevia factory have raised concerns about pollution and alleged that the plant is responsible for illnesses and deaths in their families. The company has been questioned over these allegations.

Following Ajaypal’s claim of intimidation, a Zee Media correspondent accompanied him to the factory to seek a response directly from Bundi.

The news team and Ajaypal asked security personnel to call the concerned officials. However, despite waiting for a considerable time, no company official came out to meet them.

Questions raised over residents’ concerns

The latest allegations have raised questions about whether local residents are being discouraged from speaking publicly about their concerns.

Zee Media’s investigation has focused on the experiences of people living near the factory and their allegations about its impact on the surrounding villages.