In a significant development, Colaba police have filed a case against officials of Ajay Air Products Pvt Ltd, a gas supplier, for allegedly supplying an incorrect refrigerant that led to a fatal explosion aboard the Indian Navy's INS Ranvir in January 2022. The explosion resulted in the deaths of three sailors and injuries to 11 others. During the time of the incident, INS Ranvir was manned by 30 officers and 310 sailors.

This led to the massive investigation which led to the rogue supplier. This incident also calls for the serious guidelines and strict punishment, ensuring the full-proof supplies from vendor.

The investigation revealed that Ajay Air Products Pvt Ltd supplied Freon R152a, a flammable refrigerant, instead of the ordered non-combustible Freon R22

The need for reinforcing the stricter guideline and severe punishment to rogue suppliers are much needed in the wake of recent hacking of Indian drones along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The serious violation of clear guidelines set by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) by some of the domestic drones manufactures, while aware of the vulnerability of using foreign-made components in critical military hardware, calls for such strict measures. While, in quick response, the Indian government has cancelled three contracts totalling ₹230 crore for the purchase of 400 drones for the military, it requires banning such entities for a longer period of time with penalty to counter such future malpractices.

Incident Overview

On January 18, 2022, INS Ranvir, a Rajput-class destroyer, was docked at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai for maintenance. The ship had been on operational deployment since November 2021 and was scheduled to return to its base port shortly before the incident occurred.

The explosion resulted in the deaths of three sailors and injuries to 11 others

The explosion took place in the air-conditioning compartment, resulting in the tragic deaths of Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) First Class Krishan Kumar, MCPO Second Class Surinder Kumar, and MCPO Second Class A.K. Singh. Additionally, 11 personnel sustained injuries, though none were reported as critical. The ship's crew responded promptly, bringing the situation under control, and no major material damage was reported.

Investigation Findings

A Board of Inquiry (BoI) was established to determine the cause of the explosion. The investigation revealed that Ajay Air Products Pvt Ltd supplied Freon R152a, a flammable refrigerant, instead of the ordered non-combustible Freon R22. Analysis by the Centre for Fire, Explosives, and Environmental Safety (CFEES) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) confirmed the presence of R152a in the ship's air-conditioning system.

During the rigorous phase of the investigation, Gas samples were analysed by the Centre for Fire, Explosives, and Environmental Safety (CFEES), DRDO, and IIT-Powai, confirming the presence of Freon R152a.

INS Ranvir is the fourth of the five Rajput-class destroyers built for the Indian Navy. Commissioned on October 28, 1986, the ship has a history of active service, including participation in various international naval exercises and missions

Based on the BoI's findings, Colaba police registered a case against officials of Ajay Air Products Pvt Ltd under sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 437 (mischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a vessel) of the Indian Penal Code. The case was registered based on a complaint filed by a Lieutenant Commander who was an assistant engineer on the vessel at the time of the explosion. Kumar was in the engine room during the incident, when he heard a loud noise followed by thick smoke spreading across the warship. The case alleges that the supplier's negligence in providing the incorrect refrigerant led to the explosion, resulting in fatalities, injuries, and damage to the warship.

INS Ranvir is the fourth of the five Rajput-class destroyers built for the Indian Navy. Commissioned on October 28, 1986, the ship has a history of active service, including participation in various international naval exercises and missions. The vessel is equipped with a variety of advanced weapons, including surface-to-surface missiles, surface-to-air missiles, anti-aircraft guns and torpedoes.

This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring the use of appropriate materials in naval operations

This incident underscores the critical importance of adhering to safety protocols and ensuring the use of appropriate materials in naval operations. The legal proceedings against the gas supplier highlight the accountability measures being pursued following the tragic event. It also adds to the fact that military suppliers must be mindful of the nature of procurement which is entirely about the national security and must stick to the standards and requisite elements.

Manish Kumar Jha is a Consulting & Contributing Editor for SP's Aviation, SP's Land Forces and SP's Naval Forces and a security expert. He writes on national security, military technology, strategic affairs & policies.