Harish Rao hits out at Congress govt over Sigachi tragedy, demands immediate relief to victims

BRS leader T. Harish Rao accused the Congress government of neglecting Sigachi accident victims, demanding Rs 1 crore ex-gratia for each deceased worker and criminal action against the company. He warned of protests if compensation is not paid and justice delayed.

Hyderabad: Former Minister and senior BRS MLA T Harish Rao lashed out at the Congress government over its inhumane approach in handling of the Sigachi Industries accident, which claimed 54 lives a month ago. He demanded for immediate release of ex-gratia for the deceased and compensation to the victims, failing which the BRS will hit the streets against the government, until justice is done to the victims.

He said despite Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announcing ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore for the deceased and Rs 10 lakh for the injured, the victims did not receive any amount till date. “Eight families are still waiting for the bodies of their loved ones,” he said, accusing the government of hiding details of casualties and reasons leading to the mishap.

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After the victims’ families met him at his residence on Monday, Harish Rao led a protest rally to the Sangareddy Collectorate and met the Additional Collector, demanding that the bodies be handed over and compensation paid without delay.

Speaking to mediapersons on the occasion, the former Minister suspected that the State government was trying to shield the Sigachi Industries management. Citing complaints that the company ignored repeated safety warnings, he said no action has been initiated against the management for its callousness in preventing the accident and for its negligence in supporting the victims. He demanded criminal action against those responsible.

The BRS leader accused Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy of insensitivity towards migrant workers, who came to Telangana for livelihood. He reminded that during the Covid-19 pandemic, former Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao treated migrant workers with dignity and made arrangements for their safety return home.

He demanded Rs 1 crore ex-gratia for the deceased, along with death certificates and FIR copies. He also demanded that the government ensure Rs 50 lakh compensation for the seriously injured, and Rs 25 lakh for those with minor injuries, as they lost livelihood and incurred medical expenses.

With 14 survivors still in hospitals including five in critical condition, Harish Rao warned of intensified protests if the State government does not respond.