Article Today, Hyderabad:
A devastating explosion at Sigachi Industries in Pashamylaram, near Patancheru, claimed over 43 lives. Many others remain missing, while several injured workers continue to fight for survival. Despite the scale of the tragedy, the Telangana police have not arrested a single person from the company’s management. The delay raises serious concerns about accountability and justice.
Management Negligence Clearly Cited
Initial investigations point to gross negligence by Sigachi’s management. Reports indicate the factory was using outdated machinery, ignoring repeated warnings to upgrade equipment. An FIR filed by the police notes that this disregard led directly to the blast. Yet, the response from law enforcement has remained minimal. Only a formal case was filed—no detentions, no questioning, no arrests.
Bahujan Workers Ignored by Authorities
Most of the deceased were from Bahujan and economically weaker sections. Their deaths, however, have not stirred any major political outrage. Critics say that had the victims belonged to privileged communities, the government’s reaction would have been swift and forceful. Instead, the response has been muted, with no public mourning or serious commitment to justice.
Token Case, Standard Committee
Authorities quickly announced a committee to “look into” the explosion. But many view this as a symbolic gesture. The police booked the factory under general sections, while both the National and State Human Rights Commissions have taken suo motu cognizance. But the state’s overall response has been seen as inadequate and cosmetic.
Government Outrage, But No Action
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy expressed “serious concern” over the incident. Even the state government criticized Sigachi Industries for not responding for over 48 hours after the blast. However, this official disapproval has not translated into firm action. Not a single individual from the company has been held legally accountable to date.
Burned Bodies, No Dignified Farewell
Victims’ families recount harrowing experiences. Some bodies were burned beyond recognition. In many cases, the remains were left unattended. The victims had migrated to Hyderabad in search of work. Their deaths have highlighted the utter disregard for poor workers’ safety in hazardous industries. In contrast, political leaders often rush to hospitals for minor injuries to VIPs, but turn away from such large-scale disasters.
Compensation Cannot Replace Accountability
Sigachi Industries has announced Rs. 1 crore compensation per deceased family. Rs. 10 lakh will go to the seriously injured, and Rs. 5 lakh to those with minor injuries. The company also promised to honour all insurance claims and has temporarily shut operations for three months. While monetary compensation offers some relief, it cannot replace the loss of life or absolve those responsible.
Questions Around Fire Safety Inspections
There is growing anger over Telangana’s fire safety inspections. Many allege that the state’s fire department failed in its duty to prevent such tragedies. The explosion exposed deep loopholes in monitoring, inspection, and enforcement. Locals say fire audits were either never done or were superficial.
Powerful Promoters Under Protection?
Sigachi’s top brass includes Chairman Ravindra Prasad Sinha, Executive Vice Chairman Chidambaranathan Shanmuganathan, and Managing Director Amit Raj Sinha. Board members include Sarveshwar Reddy Shanivarapu, Dhanalakshmi Guntaka, and Bindu Vinodan. All are believed to wield significant influence. The company specializes in microcrystalline cellulose and reportedly has an annual turnover of ₹500 crore. Allegations are mounting that huge sums have been paid post-tragedy to shield the company from scrutiny.
Systemic Failure, Not Isolated Incident
This tragedy is not just about one blast. It reveals a broader pattern of administrative apathy and political silence. When powerful corporations violate safety norms, workers are the first to suffer. Unless arrests are made and structural changes enforced, such disasters may repeat.
A Wake-up Call for Telangana
The Sigachi explosion is a grim reminder that industrial safety cannot be compromised. The government must ensure that justice is served—not only through compensation but also through legal action. Workers’ lives are not disposable. This silence, if allowed to continue, will only deepen public distrust in the system.
