Sigachi Factory blast: PIL seeks Rs 1 crore aid for kin of deceased workers; HC slams lapses in probe

Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court expressed strong displeasure over the progress of the investigation into the Sigachi Factory blast of June 30,

The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking enhanced compensation for the families of deceased workers. The PIL sought Rs 1 crore as compensation for the families of the deceased workers.

Counsel for the petitioner, Vasudha Nagraj, informed the Court that temporary, casual and contract workers received only Rs 25 lakh, whereas permanent employees were compensated between Rs 45-55 lakh, far below what was promised.

She also sought copies of FIRs relating to the eight workers who went missing in the explosion.

Where are the FIRs about the missing eight workers?

The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice Ghouse Meera Mohiuddin on Tuesday directed Additional Advocate General (AAG) T Rajnikanth Reddy to furnish copies of FIRs registered regarding eight workers reported ‘missing’ following the blast.

Dy. Superintendent of Police Prabhakar, Patancheru, who is the Investigating Officer (IO) in the case, appeared before the Bench and submitted a lengthy report.

The investigating officer failed to question PCB, the municipal authorities and others

However, the Bench found the report ‘unconvincing and incomplete,’ observing that several crucial statutory lapses and investigative angles had not been addressed.

The Chief Justice took exception to the fact that the IO had failed to question officials of the Labour Department, Pollution Control Board (PCB), municipal authorities, EPFO, and ESI, despite the factory being categorised as a ‘Red Category’ hazardous unit.

Why were only 19 shown as working at the time of the blast?

Posing a series of pointed questions, the CJ asked the IO why only 19 workers were officially shown as employed when nearly 50 were working in the factory at the time of the blast. The Bench further questioned whether the IO had examined culpable or criminal negligence by the management.

The CJ asked, “Have you given some kind of leeway to the management? Are you working under pressure? If required, we will insulate your functioning and appoint a superior officer. It is your duty to question statutory agencies. Why was this not done?”

The court expressed deep concern over the vulnerability of unorganised labour, observing that statutory bodies often act only when ‘some heads fall.’

State says Rs 23 crore paid as compensation

Addl. AG Rajnikanth Reddy informed the Court that the State government had paid Rs 23 crore in compensation to families of the deceased and that 283 witnesses had been examined. The factory management had additionally paid Rs 25 lakh per deceased worker.

However, the Bench observed that compliance with labour and safety norms remained questionable and that the investigation was silent on key statutory responsibilities.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the manner in which the matter was being presented, the Bench appointed Advocate Dominic Fernandis as Amicus Curiae to assist the Court. Both the petitioner and the State were directed to furnish all relevant documents to him.

What is the PIL about?

The PIL, filed by Kalapala Babu Rao, a retired scientist from Nacharam, seeks directions to the Telangana Government to pay Rs 1 crore as full compensation to each of the families of the 46 deceased workers.

An additional 28 workers sustained serious injuries during the massive fire at the Sigachi Factory at Pashamylaram, Sultanpur village, Patancheru. The incident was registered under FIR No. 199/2025.

The Court directed the IO to file a comprehensive investigation report and appear again on December 30 for the next hearing.