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Telangana factory blast: Sigachi Industries management booked for culpable homicide as death toll crosses 36

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Police in Telangana’s Sangareddy district have filed a case of culpable homicide against the management of Sigachi Industries after a deadly explosion at its Pashamylaram facility claimed the lives of at least 36 workers.

The incident, which took place on the morning of June 30, has triggered a criminal investigation following allegations of gross negligence by the company.

The case was registered after Rajanala Sai Yashwanth, the son of one of the victims, submitted a formal complaint accusing the company of ignoring repeated warnings about unsafe and outdated machinery. His father, Rajanala Venkat Jagan Mohan, 55, had worked in the factory’s quality control division for over two decades.

“My father and others had raised concerns multiple times about the ageing equipment. They warned the management that continued use of the outdated machinery could result in disaster — but no one listened,” Yashwanth was quoted by ToI as saying.

Recalling the moment he learned of the explosion, he added, “When I reached the govt hospital morgue in Patancheru, I found my father’s body among the victims.”

Sigachi Industries accused of prioritised cost-cutting
According to police, the explosion occurred around 9:30 a.m. and led to a massive fire within the industrial unit.

Four teams from the Telangana Forensic Science Laboratory (TGFSL) have inspected the site and are expected to submit their findings soon.

“This was not an accident — it was waiting to happen,” Yashwanth stated in his complaint, alleging that the company prioritised cost-cutting over employee safety.

Taking cognisance of the complaint, BDL Bhanur police have registered a case under sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder), 110 (attempt to commit culpable homicide), and 117 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the firm’s management.

A senior police official told ToI that investigations are actively progressing: “We are recording statements of employees and have requested information from the factory inspectorate and fire department. Once we have conclusive evidence, arrests will follow.”

Sigachi management's absence draws Revanth Reddy's ire

In the aftermath, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy visited the blast site along with Ministers Sridhar Babu, Damodara Raja Narasimha, G Vivek, and P Srinivasa Reddy.

Expressing sharp disapproval of the company’s handling of the crisis, the Chief Minister reprimanded Sigachi’s top management for staying absent during the critical hours after the tragedy, reported PTI.

“Major accident has taken place. He (senior management) has to come. He has to visit the deceased person's families. You can not avoid the situation. He has to come. Ask him to come,” the CM told a company representative, demanding a detailed report on the incident, including the firm’s safety record and previous accidents, if any.

The official responded that the Founder and Executive Chairman of Sigachi was present in the area on Monday.

Telangana Industries Minister Sridhar Babu echoed the Chief Minister’s outrage. “Sorry to say that your top management is not here even after 24 hours. If he is so preoccupied, why does he have to run a factory? Such a major incident, fatal incident has taken place. And our government will take it very seriously,” he said. He also revealed that the Director of Factories had previously raised safety-related concerns with the company.

(With inputs from ToI, PTI)
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