Atomic energy board probe into radiactive leak begins

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- dEsPeraTe cRaNky -
A team from the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) today launched investigation into the lapses by Delhi University in auctioning of radioactive material leading to the death of a labourer here recently.


The four-member team is also looking for certain radioactive pencils which are reportedly missing. The team went to the Physics Department which makes use of the radioactive material in its labs, sources said.


They spoke to the faculty members and inspected the lab to see how the material is being used and whether safety norms are adhered to by department. The department has been cordoned off and outsiders are not allowed entry.


The AERB on Thursday issued notice to the university to explain within two weeks how safety norms were violated and how the varsity could auction such material which could prove fatal.


Vice-chancellor Prof Deepak Pental has admitted negligence on part of the university and said it took "moral responsibility.


Eleven people were admitted to hospitals last month after they were exposed to radiation in a scrap market in Mayapuri. A worker exposed to radiation later died in hospital.

The university was given authorisation for the gamma cell by the then Directorate of Radiation Protection in January 1970.
 
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