Startling new documents show that weeks after the tragic Bhopal gas leak in December 1984, the Indian government mutely accepted a settlement offered by Union Carbide Corporation (UCC). Among other things, UCC's offer outlined the quantum of compensation to be paid out to victims and how injuries were to be categorised and compensated. In exchange, it wanted “extinguishment” of all claims against UCC, its Indian subsidary, Union Carbide India Limited, and its staff. The central government agreed.