Telangana factory tragedy: Sigachi Industries CEO arrested after blast that killed 54

HYDERABAD: Sigachi Industries CEO Amit Raj Sinha was arrested by Telangana police on Saturday night in Hyderabad, six months after a devastating blast at the company's Pashamailaram industrial area unit, Sangareddy.

The tragic incident, which occurred on June 30, resulted in the deaths of 54 workers, including eight whose mortal remains could not be retrieved for identification. The blast was caused by a massive buildup of temperature and pressure in the factory's dryer unit due to poor maintenance and cleaning.


"The CEO, Amit Raj Sinha, who is accused number two in the case, was arrested last night (Saturday). He was produced before the magistrate and has been sent for 14 days judicial remand to Kandi Central Jail. There are a total of six accused in the case, all from the company," a senior officer from the BDL Bhanur police station, Sangareddy, told TOI.

Police filed a criminal case against the Sigachi Industries management, citing various sections related to safety violations and negligence. "The investigation is continuing to identify all individuals responsible for the failures that led to the disaster," added the officer.

The Telangana High Court has repeatedly expressed frustration at how the investigation is being handled, including last month for not identifying those responsible in this case. It repeatedly questioned why no one was arrested months after the blast, despite witness statements and prima facie evidence.

The state govt-appointed technical expert committee reported that the accident occurred due to the negligence of the Sigachi management.

Meanwhile, family members of the 54 victims from various states such as Bihar, Odisha, UP, West Bengal, and others are still awaiting nearly 75% of the promised compensation of Rs 1 crore assured by the state govt and the Sigachi management. They have staged a protest at the labour commissioner's office at RTC crossroads, demanding the pending amount.

The arrest was made after the High Court insisted on action against the management while hearing a public interest litigation filed by a group of retired scientists.


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