NAVI MUMBAI: The forest department is set to lodge a formal complaint against two senior Isro scientists in connection with the death of 31 monkeys and 14 pigeons allegedly due to a chemical gas leak in the erstwhile HOCL petrochemical plant at Rasayani,

taluka. While the duo’s statements have been recorded, a forensic lab report is awaited to complete the process.

“Based on information gathered during our investigation, the plant was taken over by Isro from HOCL. Two Isro scientists are now in charge of the plant from where gas related to nitric

production leaked. Both will be prosecuted for the deaths of the animals and birds and the dumping of carcasses,” said assistant conservator of forests (Panvel range) Nandkishor Kupte. “It is now clear that the accused tried to dump the animals’ carcasses by trespassing onto BPCL land without informing the firm. Officials of BPCL and HOCL have no role in the matter.”

Though a post-mortem report on the animals and birds has been received, it doesn’t confirm the reason for their deaths. “But, in it, the forest department has been asked to rely on the forensic report for confirmation on the cause of death," said Panvel range’s forest officer

Sonawane.

The two Isro officers will be booked under the Wildlife Protection Act’s sections 9 (prohibition of hunting), 39 (restricting possession, gift or sale, and destruction or damage of government property), 52 (attempt to contravene or

the contravention of any of the provisions of the Act) and 58 (punishment for an offence under the Act committed by a company or person).