Harish Rao Slams Govt For Not Paying Ex Gratia To Sigachi Blast Victims

Hyderabad: Former minister T. Harish Rao condemned the state government's failure to hand over the bodies of the victims of the Sigachi Industries blast, and release compensation. “It has been a month and grieving families have not even received the bodies of their loved ones. Some were handed only ashes to immerse in rivers. This is inhumane,” Harish Rao said.

He was speaking to mediapersons after meeting with the bereaved families in Sangareddy and meeting the additional collector.

The explosion at the Sigachi facility killed 54 workers, mostly migrants from UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, and Andhra Pradesh. Despite Chief Minister Revanth Reddy’s promise of ₹1 crore ex gratia per deceased victim, not a single family has received the amount. For the severely injured, ₹10 lakh was announced, but families claim only ₹50,000 was given before the case was closed, he said.

Harish Rao accused the government of apathy, citing the insensitivity of officials who allegedly told families, “At least you got ashes.” He demanded ₹50 lakh for the critically injured and monthly financial support for their sustenance.

The FIR, filed by Yashwant, son of a deceased worker, alleged that employees had repeatedly warned management about outdated machinery. Rao questioned why no criminal case had been pursued against the company despite this.

“Why is Revanth Reddy shielding the company? What vested interests are being protected,” Harish Rao asked.

The NGO ‘Scientists for People’ has filed a writ in the High Court seeking justice for victims. Harish Rao demanded immediate issuance of death certificates, compensation, and accountability for the negligence. Rao demanded ₹1 crore for the deceased, ₹50 lakh for those severely injured and ₹25 lakh for those who received minor injuries.