Contradictory statements from Sigachi top brass deepen confusion over mishap

Confusion deepened over the Sigachi mishap after contradictory statements from the Company Secretary and Vice-Chairman. While one denied a reactor explosion, the other hinted at sabotage and admitted uncertainty, exposing lack of coordination within the company’s top management

Sangareddy: A letter from Sigachi Chloro Chemicals Private Limited’s Company Secretary Vivek Kumar to the NSE and BSE has sparked confusion after he stated that Monday’s accident was not caused by a reactor explosion, contrary to earlier assumptions.

As Sigachi is a listed company, Kumar formally communicated with both stock exchanges. While mentioning that a detailed investigation was under way, he stated that initial findings indicated the mishap was not due to a reactor explosion.

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Meanwhile, Sigachi Vice-Chairman and Wholetime Director Chidambaranathan Shanmuganathan, who visited the government hospital in Patancheru to meet the families of victims, added to the uncertainty with his remarks. He denied any negligence on the part of the management in the plant’s operations. When asked if the company had obtained a no objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire Department, Shanmuganathan said he was unaware of it, citing his lack of involvement in company operations for the past five years.

Responding to queries from reporters on Wednesday, Shanmuganathan said technical experts who supplied equipment to the plant would visit the site on Wednesday evening to collect samples, which might help determine the cause of the accident. When asked if equipment malfunction was possible, he replied that it was too early to confirm anything but hinted at having other suspicions.

When asked about the possibility of sabotage, he did not rule it out, though he declined to elaborate publicly, stating he could not share all his thoughts in front of the media.

The contradictory statements from the Company Secretary and the Vice-Chairman have left many baffled and raised questions about the lack of coordination among the company’s top leadership.