Although initial police investigations have revealed that the gas inhaled by the jawans was because of a fire that broke out in the godown in the night, top police officials told Express Newsline that an ACP has been asked to inquire into the mishap. ``It seems that a thinner (chemical used to thin paints and other substances) drum caught fire accidentally, and the fumes were poisonous,'' a top police official said.

There are other versions, too. A PSO at the Rander police station said, ``someone put water in a company drum, after which a poisonous gas came out.''

New Civil Hospital superintendent Dr Khatija Saifee, when contacted, said the jawans had been admitted with symptoms of gas poisoning, but are out of danger and recovering fast. Hospital sources stated that the jawans complained of symptoms like a burning sensation in the eyes, nose and throat, besides breathing problems.

Police sources stated that the jawans affected of the 2nd and 3rd battalion of the D-Company, SRP, Bhopal, include: Phulsingh Ramsigh (30), Indrabahadur Gilbahadur (44), Rajbahadur Labaram (38), Lakhansingh Santoshsingh (30), Premsingh Sonawsingh (30), Ramshankar Lalshah (44), Viren Arjunsingh (30), Rambharose Shrijeetlal (44), Nareshsingh Chhotalalsingh (36) and Anil Ramshankar (28). They are expected to be discharged by Friday morning.