Case registered against Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram blast; 36 dead, probe on
Hyderabad: A case has been registered against Sigachi Industries following a major explosion and fire at its chemical factory in Pashamylaram, Sangareddy district, on June 30. The incident has claimed 36 lives, with more than 35 others injured. Many of the victims were migrant workers.
The company, owned by Amit Raj Sinha, faces legal action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Sangareddy police have booked the management under Sections 105, 110 and 117, which relate to grievous hurt and culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
Sangareddy Superintendent of Police Paritosh Pankaj confirmed the death toll and said the focus remains on rescue efforts. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the blast and identify those responsible.
The explosion is believed to have occurred in a chemical reactor, triggering a massive fire. Witnesses said the impact was so strong that some workers were thrown nearly 100 metres. The fire quickly engulfed the facility, trapping many workers inside. Firefighters reached the spot promptly and rescue operations are ongoing. Of the 143 workers present at the time of the incident, 58 have been identified so far.
The Telangana Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of the incident, based on media reports. The commission expressed concern over possible safety lapses and labour rights violations. Notices have been issued to the District Collector, Commissioner of Labour, Director General of Fire Services and Superintendent of Police, asking for detailed reports by July 30.
On July 1, Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy visited the site along with Ministers D. Sridhar Babu and Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy. He reviewed the rescue operations and held a meeting with senior officials.
The Chief Minister announced ₹1 crore as ex-gratia to the families of each deceased worker. He directed that ₹1 lakh be given as interim relief and ₹50,000 to those injured. Critically injured workers will receive ₹10 lakh, and those with partial injuries will get ₹5 lakh. The state will cover the full cost of medical treatment for all injured workers. He also directed that children from affected families be enrolled in government residential schools and provided full educational support.
Calling it one of the most serious industrial accidents in the state, the Chief Minister ordered inspections of all chemical industries in Telangana to identify safety violations. A special officer will be appointed to oversee rescue and relief operations. A detailed report on the incident is to be submitted in consultation with safety experts.
He also instructed officials to ensure timely identification and handover of the bodies to the families. “The government will ensure accountability and take all necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future,” he said.
