India, April 1 -- Three people were killed and more than 50 were hospitalised after toxic nitrogen gas leaked from a factory running illegally in Rajasthan's Beawar city late on Monday, people aware of the matter said.

"The incident took place at around 10.30pm on Monday night when the regulator of a nitrogen tanker on the factory premises leaked, following which the gas spread in the vicinity," said Beawar superintendent of police (SP) Shyam Singh.

Police said that the factory was located in a populated area at Badhia in Beawar.

"At least 53 people either fainted or suffered burning sensation in their eyes, following which they were rushed to the hospital," the SP said.

Among the deceased was 47-year-old Sunil Singhal, the factory ow...