Meesho Faces FIR in Gurugram Teen's Death After Online Purchase of Toxic Chemical
Police in Gurugram have registered a case against e-commerce platform Meesho and one of its sellers in connection with the death of a 17-year-old student who allegedly consumed a restricted toxic substance purchased online. The FIR was filed under sections 106 (death by negligence) and 286 (death due to negligent conduct with poisonous substances) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita at Badshahpur police station, following a court order.
The incident came to light after a complaint by Anuradha Mehra, a resident of Tikli village, who stated that her son Yuvi ingested a poisonous substance on April 28, leading to his death. The teenager had recently appeared for his Class 12 examinations. According to the complaint, when Anuradha checked her son's mobile phone after his death, she found that Yuvi had ordered 'Sulfas' through the Meesho app on April 11.
Police said the invoice for the order listed Pankaj Bharatbhai Parmar, the operator of 'Evergreen Agro and Gardening Mall' in Surat, Gujarat, as the seller. Investigators are now examining how the restricted substance was available on the platform, the ordering process, and the seller's compliance with legal requirements.
Subhash Boken, spokesperson for Gurugram police, confirmed that an investigation is underway. "The FIR has been registered and the matter is being probed. Meesho and the seller's representatives will be questioned soon. Appropriate legal action will be taken after verifying the facts," he said.
Sulfas is a chemical compound commonly used in agricultural and industrial applications. It is classified as a toxic substance under Indian regulations, with restrictions on its sale and distribution. The alleged availability of such a substance on a mainstream e-commerce platform raises questions about the adequacy of seller verification and product safety checks.
Legal experts say that e-commerce platforms have a responsibility to ensure that products listed on their sites comply with Indian laws. The case highlights potential gaps in the enforcement of restrictions on hazardous substances sold online. Authorities are expected to examine whether Meesho had the necessary safeguards to prevent the sale of banned or restricted items.
The 17-year-old's death has drawn attention to the risks of easy online access to dangerous chemicals. Parents and schools have been urged to remain vigilant about the online activities of minors, and to educate them about the dangers of such substances.
The investigation is ongoing, with police likely to question officials from Meesho and the concerned seller in the coming days. The case is being monitored closely as it may set a precedent for holding online marketplaces accountable for the sale of restricted items.
