Sigachi pharma blast: Company CEO Amit Raj Sinha arrested

Hyderabad: Nearly six months after the devastating industrial blast at Pashamailaram that claimed about 50 lives, the BDL–Bhanur police of Patancheru on Saturday arrested Amit Raj Sinha, Chief Executive Officer of Sigachi Industries Limited, in connection with the case.

Sinha named accused in culpable homicide case

Sinha has been named as Accused No. 2 in the case registered following complaints filed by the families of the deceased workers.

The explosion occurred on June 30 at the Sigachi industrial unit in Bhanur, after which police booked a case of culpable homicide against the company’s management, citing negligence.

Probe finds lapses in safety and oversight

The arrest followed a detailed investigation by the Patancheru police of Sangareddy district. Investigators examined the circumstances leading to the blast and reportedly found serious lapses in safety practices and managerial oversight at the facility, prompting action against senior executives.

High Court’s intervention triggers action

The development comes amid sustained pressure from the Telangana High Court, which has been hearing a public interest litigation filed by a group of retired scientists seeking accountability for what has been described as the State’s biggest industrial mishap.

During multiple hearings, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the investigation and questioned why no arrests had been made months after the blast despite witness statements and prima facie evidence.

The court repeatedly sought to know who was responsible for the tragedy.

Expert committee points to management negligence

A State government-appointed technical expert committee had earlier concluded that the explosion occurred due to negligence on the part of the Sigachi management, strengthening the case against the company’s top officials.

Victims’ families still await compensation

Meanwhile, families of 54 victims from States including Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal are still waiting for a substantial portion of the compensation promised to them.

Although the State government and the company assured Rs 1 crore for each victim’s family, nearly 75 per cent of the amount is yet to be released.

Frustrated by the delay, the families recently staged a protest at the Labour Commissioner’s office at RTC Crossroads in Hyderabad, demanding immediate payment of the pending compensation.

Arrest seen as step toward accountability

Police officials said that the arrest was made following the High Court’s insistence on concrete action against the management, marking a significant step toward fixing responsibility in the Pashamailaram industrial blast case.