Sangareddy’s Addl Collector pushes for early declaration of deaths for 8 missing workers in Sigachi blast

The Additional Collector noted that the debris at the site had been combed four times over ten days, involving 100 to 150 personnel each day.

Sangareddy: The Additional Collector B Chandrashekar on Wednesday said the administration would request the State and Central governments to expedite the process of officially declaring the deaths of the eight workers missing since the Sigachi Industries explosion, citing the exceptional nature of the disaster.

Under normal circumstances, a person can be declared legally dead only seven years after going missing. However, Chandrashekar stated that given the rare intensity and circumstances of the blast, the district administration would formally write to both governments seeking relaxation of the rule.

---

Speaking to reporters after handing over cheques of Rs. 15 lakh each to the families of the eight missing workers at the Pashamylaram industrial area, Chandrashekar said a few more human remains recovered on Tuesday and Wednesday from the blast site had been sent to the Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) for further DNA analysis. The debris combing operation would continue for a few more days, he added.

In addition to the compensation cheques, officials also handed over Rs.10,000 in cash to each family to assist with travel to their native places.

The Additional Collector noted that the debris at the site had been combed four times over ten days, involving 100 to 150 personnel each day. Based on biometric records, authorities confirmed that 143 workers were on duty at the time of the explosion.

He also assured that families who still wished to remain at the rehabilitation centre would be permitted to do so.