Sigachi Industries explosion: Telangana HC seeks update on blast probe, compensation

The Telangana High Court heard a PIL concerning the Sigachi factory explosion that killed 54 workers and injured 28. The petitioner urged the court to expedite the investigation and ensure compensation. The court directed the State to submit a detailed affidavit on the probe status and compensation disbursal, and issued notice to the factory’s top management.

By Legal Correspondent

Hyderabad: Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G.M. Mohiuddin of the Telangana High Court on Tuesday heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in connection with the deadly industrial explosion at the Sigachi factory in Pashamylaram, Patancheru, which claimed the lives of 54 workers and left 28 others injured earlier this year.

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The PIL was filed by Kalapala Babu Rao, seeking a direction to the State to expedite the investigation into the FIR registered at Bhanoor Police Station and to ensure accountability for what is alleged to be criminal negligence in maintaining safety standards at the factory.

The petitioner also sought immediate steps for payment of full compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured workers, as announced by the State Government on July 1 and by the factory on July 2.

Appearing for the petitioner, Vasudha Nagaraj submitted that despite the enormity of the tragedy and the loss of 54 lives, there has been no meaningful progress in the investigation, nor has the management of the factory been held to account. She argued that the State’s failure to act on the High-Powered Committee report, constituted on June 30 to determine responsibility, reflected apathy and inaction.

Additional Advocate General T. Rajnikanth Reddy, representing the State, sought two weeks to file an additional counter affidavit. The Bench directed that the affidavit must place on record the outcome of the expert committee’s report, the latest status of the investigation, and details of compensation disbursed to families of the deceased and the injured workers, including statutory amounts and those paid by the Management.

The Court also ordered that notice be issued to the Managing Director and CEO of Sigachi Industries Ltd. The matter has been posted to November 27 for further hearing.