The Telangana High Court on Wednesday, while taking note of the progress in the investigation into the industrial explosion at Sigachi Industries Limited’s factory in Sangareddy district, observed that the trial court dealing with the case is under no pressure on account of the instant Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the high court. The explosion on June 30 killed 54 people and left several others injured.
Story continues below this ad
The observation by a division bench of Chief Justice Aparesh Kumar Singh and Justice G M Mohiuddin came after it took into consideration the concerns raised by senior counsel S Niranjan Reddy, representing Sigachi Industries, and noted his submission that the company was fully cooperating with the investigating agencies.
The bench took note of the submission of a counter affidavit by Sigachi Industries and noted that the compensation amounts paid by the company and other statutory amounts payable under different Acts have been disbursed, though this may not yet be the final settlement of claims.
Story continues below this ad
Senior counsel Reddy submitted that an observation may be made that the trial court may not feel under any pressure on account of the pendency of the instant PIL. He requested that the criminal investigation be conducted on its own merits without being weighed by the pendency of the matter.
The bench clarified that it was not controlling or monitoring the investigation and was in the process of only eliciting information regarding the compensation to be paid and the progress of the probe. “We don’t expect also that our magistrates would be acting under any kind of pressure that the matter is otherwise before this court. They would exercise their discretion as per the materials that are produced by the prosecuting agency and your defence,” the bench observed.
Story continues below this ad
Chargesheet will be filed soon: AAG
Additional Advocate General (AAG) T Rajinikanth Reddy informed the court about the arrest of the company’s managing director and CEO (who is accused no 2) and stated that the investigation is nearly complete and the chargesheet would be filed soon. He said that as of today, Rs 22.3 crore has been paid to the kin of the deceased, the missing and the injured employees.
The AAG also informed the court that 322 witnesses have been examined, including 53 officials from 16 departments, which are regulating agencies, while accused numbers 3 to 7 are absconding.
Meanwhile, the amicus curiae Dominic Fernandes prayed for some more time to analyse the detailed report submitted by the state and also the legislations applicable to the case.
Story continues below this ad
Advocate Vasudha Nagaraj, counsel for the petitioner K Babu Rao, pointed at the company’s counter affidavit and contended that the company’s extent of compensation paid to the kin of the deceased is only about Rs 42 lakh and the counter was absolutely silent on the earlier press releases and statements made by the company regarding the compensation of Rs 1 crore that was promised to be paid.
The court also noted the submissions of the AAG and the amicus curiae that eight missing persons have been identified as dead, and the compensation paid to other deceased workmen is in the process of being disbursed to the kith and kin of those eight people also. The court then adjourned the matter for three weeks and listed it for further hearing on January 29, 2026.
© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
