'Kaiga suspects' list has narrowed down'

Talking to media persons, he said that the heavy water had been deliberately mixed in the water cooler kept outside the reactor.

He said after questioning the employees, who were working in the station during that period, the authorities had narrowed down the list of suspects. They would be thoroughly grilled. It was evident that some staff members, who had access to heavy water, had mixed it and this had affected several workers in the plant, he added.

He said protocol was not properly followed while moving heavy water and radio active elements within the station. The district police had instructed the plant officials to strictly adhere to protocol within the station. The police had suggested that CCTV be installed and security both inside and outside the station be stepped up, he claimed.

He said investigations would reveal whether the heavy water was stolen from the plant. The KAPS officials had prepared a detailed report on the incident, but have not fixed the blame on any employee. The officials were cooperating with the police, he added.

The officer is here to personally supervise investigations after a formal complaint was lodged by the KAPS officials. He expressed the hope that the mystery would be resolved soon.