Sigachi Industries Ltd had been using outdated machinery and workers were compelled to operate it, the FIR registered against the management stated. The Sangareddy police, based on a complaint by a family member of one of the victims, on Monday registered an FIR against the factory management in connection with the explosion
Police recover another body from chemical factory in Telangana. Pic/PTI
Sigachi Industries Ltd on Wednesday said it had lost 40 of its team members in the recent explosion and fire at its Pashamylaram plant in Sangareddy district. The company also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 1 crore each to the families of the deceased.
According to Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj, the official death toll stood at 38 as of Wednesday afternoon. “It is with anguish that we share details of the accident at the Sigachi Industries facility in Pashamylaram, Telangana, which resulted in the loss of 40 valued team members and left over 33 injured,” the company said in a statement.
“Sigachi Industries has committed an ex gratia of Rs 1 crore (each) to the families of the deceased, while the injured will receive full medical and rehabilitation support,” it said. The company also clarified that the accident was not caused by a reactor explosion, as reported in sections of the media. Plant operations will remain temporarily suspended for approximately 90 days, the company added.
Meanwhile, Sigachi’s Vice-Chairman, Chidambarnathan Shanmuganathan, who visited Patancheru Area Hospital, was confronted by grieving family members demanding information about their loved ones. Responding to queries, he said the plant had been operating satisfactorily for the past 35 years.
FIR filed
Sigachi Industries Ltd had been using outdated machinery and workers were compelled to operate it, the FIR registered against the management stated.
The Sangareddy police, based on a complaint by a family member of one of the victims, on Monday registered an FIR against the factory management in connection with the explosion under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempting to commit culpable homicide), and 117 (Voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of BNS.
No NoC
A senior official of the Telangana Fire Department earlier said the company has no NoC from the department. There were no adequate safety measures, including fire alarms and heat sensors in the plant.
“There is a process for obtaining a No Objection Certificate. It is an online process. Once any firm applies online, a committee will decide on it. This unit has not applied for any NOC and hence we have not issued,” the official said.
Probe hampered
Investigators probing the incident face significant challenges as three key officials who could have provided crucial data have died in the tragedy. According to a factories department official, the deaths of the factory manager, DGM (production) and an operator are expected to impede the acquisition of information vital for the probe.
The investigation by the factories department officers may take about a fortnight, subject to availability of information. The official, however, affirmed that there will be no delay in concluding the probe.
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