NILGIRIS, India – Police in India's Nilgiris District have apprehended six individuals, including a branch secretary of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, in connection with the alleged theft of over three tonnes of soil from the abandoned Hindustan Photo Films (HPF) factory premises. The arrests follow a tip-off suggesting the soil might contain valuable traces of silver nitrate and other precious metals, remnants from the factory's decades of photographic film production.
Initial Discovery and Subsequent Arrests
The investigation began when officers detained three men—Suresh, Pradeen, and Nithish Kumar—found loitering near the defunct HPF site on the Ooty–Gudalur Road. A search of their vehicle revealed over 40 sacks filled with soil, totaling approximately three tonnes. The goods vehicle allegedly used for transportation was also seized.
Following interrogations, police made further arrests, apprehending Ravi (alias Sudhakar), Hariharan, and Nandakumar. One of the initial suspects, Suresh, was identified as the TVK branch secretary for Ward 2 in Udhagamandalam. A formal case has been registered, and authorities confirm that the investigation is ongoing.
The Legacy of Hindustan Photo Films
The HPF factory, located in Indu Nagar, was established in 1960 under the tenure of Chief Minister K. Kamaraj. Operating on 320 acres leased from the Forest Department, it grew to become one of South Asia’s leading manufacturers of photographic film. The plant produced black-and-white and X-ray films for both domestic and international markets, providing employment for thousands of local residents.
However, the factory's fortunes declined in the wake of India's economic liberalization in the 1990s, facing intense competition from private and foreign companies, coupled with significant technological shifts in the industry. HPF ultimately ceased operations in 2018, leaving the vast industrial complex abandoned.
Motivation and Environmental Concerns
Investigators believe the motivation behind the soil theft stems from information circulated by informal teams contracted to scrap the factory. These teams reportedly suggested that soil in certain storage areas might contain trace amounts of precious metals, primarily silver and potentially gold, which had accumulated in sludge during the plant’s operational period. Authorities suspect this information incited local residents and scavengers to illegally remove soil from the restricted premises.
Official Response and Next Steps
Nilgiris police have confirmed the multiple arrests and the seizure of both the soil and the transport vehicle. Forensic tests are now crucial to determine the exact composition of the seized material and verify the presence and quantity of any precious metals. The Forest Department and local authorities are cooperating closely in the investigation, and police have issued warnings against any further unauthorized entry or illegal removal of materials from the factory site.