Sangareddy chemical blast: CPI(M) demands murder charges against Sigachi management

John Wesley has also sought a judicial probe, suspension of officials, and announced a July 9 dharna against the Centre’s and State’s anti-worker stance.

Sangareddy: CPI(M) State Secretary John Wesley on Tuesday demanded that the government register a murder case against the management of Sigachi Chloro Chemicals Limited and arrest those responsible for the blast that claimed dozens of lives. He also called for a judicial inquiry into the incident by a sitting High Court judge.

Speaking to reporters after visiting the blast site at Pashamylaram industrial area, Wesley said both the State and Central governments seemed to side with industrial management instead of protecting workers’ rights.

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He criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for announcing a mere Rs. 2 lakh ex gratia to the victims’ families and failing to initiate any action against the company’s management.

The CPI(M) leader announced a State-wide dharna on July 9, to be held in coordination with industrial workers, to expose what he described as the anti-worker policies of both the Centre and the State.

He further pointed out the lack of clarity over the exact number of workers present in the unit at the time of the blast, alleging that the management was deliberately withholding the list of daily wage workers.

Wesley demanded the immediate suspension of the inspector of factories and other concerned department officials and held them accountable for failing to monitor safety protocols, which he said led to the mishap.

He also criticised Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy for what he termed an inadequate and delayed response to the tragedy.